Why newly born baby weeps?(psychology interpretation)

  • Context: Medical 
  • Thread starter Thread starter coverme
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Interpretation
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the reasons why newly born babies cry, with a focus on psychological interpretations and physiological responses during birth. Participants explore various aspects including the physical changes that occur at birth and the implications for communication and survival.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that crying is a response to the physical shock of birth and the sudden change in respiration methods, as the baby transitions from the womb to the external environment.
  • Others argue that the act of crying may be a natural vocalization associated with taking the first breath, rather than a psychological response.
  • One participant emphasizes that "weep" is an inaccurate term since newborns do not produce tears, and instead, they cry as a form of communication to express discomfort.
  • There is a suggestion that crying serves an evolutionary purpose, aiding in the newborn's transition and survival by alerting caregivers to the baby's needs.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the validity of a psychological interpretation, indicating that the focus should be on physiological changes occurring at birth.
  • A later reply mentions the significant physiological changes that happen within the first moments after birth, including adaptations in the circulatory and respiratory systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the appropriateness of a psychological interpretation of crying, with some advocating for a focus on physiological explanations. Multiple competing views remain regarding the reasons behind a newborn's crying.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms like "weep" versus "cry," and the assumptions made about the psychological state of newborns. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of the physiological and psychological factors involved.

coverme
Messages
46
Reaction score
1
hi guys , I want to ask every intellectual persons , a question?
A newly born baby which just got from mothers stomach,what is in its concept that makes it
weep(please psychological interpretation)
 
Biology news on Phys.org
I think it has to do with pain when respiration methods change... Think about it the baby has not used any of its organs on its own yet; including its lungs. When the baby comes out it must feel quite cold and the air going inside it is colder as well.

It is a method which I'm pretty sure gives the baby extremely good chances of being able to survive as certain things occur when a new born is introduced into the world and crying definitely helps it. I remember reading an article on this awhile ago I'll look it up.

As well, I hardly think this is philosophy... maybe it should be moved to general discussion?
 
First, "weep" is the wrong word. "Weep" implies tears and new born babies are not capable of tears. A new born baby does cry- that is, it yells. Part of that, I'm sure is just as Sorry! says- the physical shock of being born. But I think it is a mistake to try to specify a "psychological interpretation" at all.
 
I agree with Halls on this that trying to suggest a psychological interpretation is incorrect.

Actually, I don't even think it's so much a physical shock as related to taking a first breath and then making the only vocalization that seems to come naturally when they exhale. It requires cutting or clamping the umbilical cord, which shifts the blood flow in a way that allows the lungs to become functional. Part of it very well may be to clear fluids from the lungs, but that's just a guess.
 
Here's a website I found relating to what I was speaking of in my post...
http://www.cordclamp.com/Why Do Babies Cr1.htmIt's not specifically the one I was looking for but it's basically the same.

As well. I wasn't intending my post to be answering his 'psychological interpretation' because I feel we've just evolved that way as a mechanism for the newborn to have an easy transition.

Here is an article on fetal psychology though:
http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/tul/psychtoday9809.html

Its quite old 1998. I'll look for something more recent and up-to-date.
 
Moonbear said:
I agree with Halls on this that trying to suggest a psychological interpretation is incorrect.

Actually, I don't even think it's so much a physical shock as related to taking a first breath and then making the only vocalization that seems to come naturally when they exhale. It requires cutting or clamping the umbilical cord, which shifts the blood flow in a way that allows the lungs to become functional. Part of it very well may be to clear fluids from the lungs, but that's just a guess.

The physiological changes that have to occur within that first few seconds are incredible- the lung and airway epithelia changes from secretory to absorptive (and must quickly absorb all the fluid that fills the aveoli), the circulatory system undergoes a massive change as well- blood O2 enters via the lungs rather than the mother, the sensory function of eyes, ears, skin, nose... all get amplified, etc.

It's absolutely fantastic.
 
At the risk of oversimplifying, babies cry because it is the only form of communication they have to express their discomfort. It alerts the parents to provide care and relieve the discomfort.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 140 ·
5
Replies
140
Views
5K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K