The Incredible Experience of the First Hug

2016 has been a year of many “firsts” as a mother and for my family.  My first child graduated high school.  My last child celebrated his first birthday.  My twins experienced being “big” brothers for the first time.  Among the “firsts” experiences, was many joyous and memorable moments.  The common thread between them all was the demonstrative expression of emotion – a loving embrace – together as a family.  The undeniable power of a hug creates everlasting memories that begin to form from the first hug with a new baby.  After nine months of waiting, months of detailed preparation, long hours of labor, the beautiful moment finally arrives when a baby is placed for the first time into the arms of their awaiting parents.  The first hug with a new life occurs and is preciously indescribable.  Nothing can compare with holding and hugging your child for the very first time.

I have been a mother for my entire adult life and now am the mother of 4 boys.  Becoming a first-time mother 18 years ago to becoming a mother of a new baby last year, there are many aspects of motherhood that never change.  The excitement of learning you are pregnant, the prenatal care needed during pregnancy, having a baby shower, creating the nursery, packing the diaper bag, etc.  A constant in my motherhood journey has always been preparing for baby with products and brands that I trust.  If my years of mothering, including a set of twins, have taught me anything, is that you have to embrace the everyday moments, be prepared for the unexpected and you absolutely need products that work (the way they were intended to) so they can support your parenting style.  I have always placed my trust with Huggies with all my children because from diapers to wipes they have been a valuable resource to me.  Every diaper the Huggies brand makes is inspired by a parent’s hugs and are made to nurture baby with care, cradle baby in comfort and surround baby in protection.

All of my children have used (and the baby is currently using) Huggies products because not only have they provided key baby care for so many years but they have been tested with everyday usage by my children.  From the beauty of the first hug, parents want to feel secure knowing that the first interactions of a new baby are comfortable and protected.  Nothing should be interrupting those first bonding moments between parents and baby.  Being confident in the brands that you have selected for a newborn, eases a parent’s mind to solely focus on the incredible experience of meeting a new baby.  During pregnancy when I was busy setting up the nursery and adding items I would need on the baby registry, one of the first essentials I would always select was Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers to help keep baby’s skin clean and healthy.  I loved the GentleAbsorb liner that added a cushiony layer of protection between my baby’s delicate skin and the mess.   Huggies Natural Care Wipes are the #1 branded wipes and has Triple Clean layers that are strong, soft and absorbent to be gentle on baby’s skin, plus thick enough to clean their hands, faces and bottoms.

Last year, when I was delivering the baby, one of the first hugs between baby and I was captured.  He was a big baby (10 pounds at birth) and I was incredibly happy but very exhausted.  Without makeup or even a chance to fix my appearance, a hospital photographer arrived and asked if he could take a picture of us.  The time after a baby arrives, it seems like everything is going in slow motion and the only thing you are anxiously needing is to hug baby.  How you look is of little importance – all that matters is cradling your new child.  The benefits of touch are not just for baby. Skin-to-skin contact reduces the stress level for parents, too, allowing them to be more attentive and receptive to baby’s needs.  I’m so thankful that those sweet moments of mother and child being introduced are forever immortalized in that image.  Knowing that my newest bundle of joy was already being protected by Huggies allowed me to fully enjoy the first hug and cherish the incredible moment of bringing another new life into the world.

 

Huggies believes deeply in the Power of Hugs. The simple, loving act is proven to support babies’ emotional and physiological well-being. Huggies diapers and wipes are inspired by a parent’s hug, – to nurture baby with care, cradle baby in comfort and surround baby in protection. Make sure you embrace baby’s bottom with Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers to deliver our best skin care to help keep baby’s skin clean and healthy. Learn more at Huggies.com. #HuggiesCouncil

Disclosure: We are part of the Huggies Parents Council and this is sponsored content in partnership with Huggies.
However, all opinions expressed here are my own.