Grunting refers to a sound that is produced by newborns upon birth, most often as a result of the air passing through their vocal cords. Aside from that, grunting is usually associated with digestion in newborns. Your baby is gradually getting used to the mother’s milk or formula. This noise is often described as a “gruff” or “raspy” sound, and it can vary in pitch and intensity. While all babies grunt to some degree, grunting newborns are generally considered those who make the noise most clearly and audibly.
This image shows how often the term ‘Grunting’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms:
Grunting is not a new phenomenon; in fact, it has been observed in humans since ancient times. However, the term itself did not become popularized until the early 1900s, when Dr. Frederick Leboyer wrote a book about natural childbirth entitled “Birth Without Violence.” In the book, Dr. Leboyer coined the term “grunting baby” to describe newborns who make a noise upon birth.
Despite its popularity, there is some debate about whether grunting is beneficial for newborns. Some believe that grunting helps babies expel their first breath of air, which can be difficult in cases of respiratory distress. Others believe that grunting can cause newborns to become exhausted and oxygen-deprived. However, there is no concrete evidence to support either argument.
So, what does all of this mean for you? If you’re expecting, don’t worry about whether your baby will grunt or not – it’s perfectly normal for all babies to do so to some degree. However, if you’re concerned about your baby’s health or if you think your baby is grunting too much, be sure to speak with your doctor.
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