ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 explores the phenomenon of the first cry of the newly born child. The first cry is an important occurrence as it signals that a uniquely separate life has begun, the transition from womb to world life. Although the phenomenon of the first cry may be functionally explained from evolutionary, psychological, or physiological perspectives, a phenomenological method questions the meaning of the first cry as an expression of the assumed unsettling nature of the birthing event. How is the first cry experienced by the birthing mother and attending adults? What is the possible meaning of the first cry for the newborn infant? Pedagogical questions are raised related to how we may understand and respond to well and sick newborns in their crying. Methodologically, this chapter is an example of engaging primarily with physiological and observational research to explore the lived meaning of a phenomenon.
