12/28/2025
Another birth nerd lesson for my followers! You’re welcome. The top of the newborn skull! Made up of 5 major plate shaped bones that protect the brain (2 frontal bones, 2 parietal bones and 1 occipital bone) and held together by a fiber material called sutures. Sutures are a flexible material that act as a joint, allowing the bones of the skull to shift and “mold” not only during birth but as the brain develops throughout infanthood. The junction of these bones form the front (anterior) fontanelle, and the back (posterior) fontanelle. These seem like holes that lead directly to the brain, but worry not! There is a thick and strong layer of membrane protecting the cranium. The front one closes around 18 months old, and the back one closes around the first 3 months after birth.
Something really interesting is that the molding of the skull can actually give some insight into life inside the womb. If baby’s head was resting on the pelvic bone, it can show in the molding of the skull. If baby was in the birth canal for a prolonged period during the birth, they can be born with more of the cone shaped appearance.
Intelligent design is undeniable when you look at the newborn skull. Without all the intricate bones and membranes and fibers, vaginal birth would simply be impossible. Human nature is so fascinating!
