Human Respect: Talking Gently to the Just Birthed Newborn

[amileegirl]

I was reading a debate earlier from a group and it took me to a couple of offline blogs and there was one that I wanted to comment on.    In a nut shell (and I am grossly over simplifying), the one side said that it was important that when babies are born that they should be treated with the utmost care and respect and to be talked to gently and to explain when a necessary procedure might hurt, etc.      The other side said that it was a ridiculous notion because they wouldn't remember and they weren't about to tell a newborn, for example, that they were going to administer medication that was going to sting and they might die.

Now, my first reaction to the "talking gently and explain it all" side was -- I admit -- "That's a little over the top."   And then I paused for reflection as I read the near hostile quote in response to the notion of having an oral conversation with a newborn, especially in a traumatic experience.

What struck me was that I talk to my pets.   ALL the time.   When I have to do something I know they won't like I start relaying what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, that it will be okay, that it'll be uncomfortable, but it will make the feel better...etc. etc.

I've done it with dogs, cats, and birds.    And I don't do it because they understand english, I do it becuase I know that what I am saying projects a feeling in tone and body language.   Our voices change unconsciously when we are trying to get and animal (or person) to trust us and let us help.  We know they may not understand our words but will understand our intent.  We try to remain calm and speak calm because we don't want to alarm or cause more stress.  

Watch Animal Cops on Animal planet sometime and you will see this behavior constantly whether that animal is a horse, chicken, or turtle!  Listen to the octave when the animal is a baby and what they say!   "Oh, you are so uncomfortable.  I know.   It's alright.  Don't worry.   You are crying for you momma, but you are safe.  I've got you.  Just a little bath and you'll feel better.  There now.  Yes, that feels funny!  Almost done.  See now its all better.   Doesn't that feel good?  We'll just dry you off."

Are these ramblings of a mad-veterinary aide who has lost touch with reality?  Do they really think that the baby animals can understand them word for word?     So why do they do it?

And why does it make some health care providers look at those who suggest that the same be applied to human infants in a traumatic situation with a critical eye and to brush off the suggestion as mad ramblings of a touchy-feely know-nothing?    It can't be that far fetched now that it is accepted that premies need touch therapy in order to thrive.

Why is it okay to do so much more for animals who we know can't understand us and yet we afford much less respect for a new human baby?