To Kiss, or not to kiss…that is the question 💋

Dear Expectant Parents,

It’s instinctual…the urge that all mothers have to plant kisses all over their baby, immediately after they’re born. Now that you are getting closer to having a baby, you might be wondering what are the risks (or benefits) of kissing a baby.

Firstly, you must understand that baby’s immune system is still developing and still not fully functional. Every second your baby lives outside the womb, she is coming into contact with new and unfamiliar bacteria, not entirely bad, but perhaps not all helpful. Saliva, which is spread during a kiss, acts as a carrier for bacteria. Thus said, how does kissing effect your baby?

Kisses from Mom

Breastfeeding mothers…kissing your baby can actually benefit her immune system! How, you ask?

Well, breastmilk is a dynamic liquid, continually changing based on your baby’s needs. When you kiss your baby, you are transferring pathogens and bacteria located on her face and in her saliva into your body.
The bacteria is carried to your lymphatic system, which produces the antibodies needed to protect against them. These antibodies (along with tons of white blood cells) are passed into your breast milk, to your baby and boosts her immune system. UNICEF famously says:

“Breastmilk is a baby’s first vaccine, the first and best protection they have against illness and disease.”

Another benefit of kissing, is that it promotes the emotional bond of affection between a mother and her baby. Boosting Oxytocin (love hormone) levels and thus helping in establishing a lasting bond and better breastfeeding.

Kisses from Others

Due to baby’s still developing immune system, there is a risk of baby getting sick if kissed by someone carrying flue, RSV, or other bacteria, by these pathogens transferring from the kisser’s saliva into baby’s mouth.
Many parents are also fearful of their baby contracting HSV, as it can be deadly if a baby catches it. The greatest risk of baby catching HSV is actually from his mother during a vaginal birth (if she is infected). The risks of catching HSV from kissing are low, but they are still there.

So what do you do?

It really is up to you! Kissing is a natural show of affection between family members and friends and will help your baby feel emotionally stable and continue to grow in healthy relationships as he develops. Also notes, that once your baby reaches around 3 months old his immune system is functioning enough to fight off possible infections.

Some things you can do to protect your baby:

Choose to not allow ANY kissings (except from mom) until 3+ months of age (or never, should you prefer)
Keep open and honest communication with family/friends. If they are sick or have HSV, then no kissing!
Ask family/friends to kiss baby, NOT on the face, but express it’s okay to kiss the top of her head, etc.
Allow kissing, but with no mouth-contact. Touch your cheek to baby’s face, then kiss. This ensures, that no saliva is transferred to baby’s face.

Whatever you choose to do for your baby, remember momma…Do not fear. May the LORD protect and uphold you.

Love,

Pearl

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7

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