The breast crawl.

You did it! You’ve given birth. You are powerful and strong. Your body is running high on endorphins and just when you think the amazing has finished you stare at your beautiful baby. The bonding process has begun, and the ‘amazing’ is far from gone.

We all know babies are cute and cuddly, but do you know that babies are subject to many astonishing facts that prove we should consistently tap into and allow their natural instincts to take over. One amazing natural instinct that I would like to bring to your attention in the ‘Breast Crawl’. Also know as the Bauer crawling reflex or Baby-Led attachment. This instinct is developed in the womb at about 28 weeks and disappears around 6 weeks. This amazing skill can promote an intense connection between mothers and their babies and shouldn’t be ignored.

The Breast crawl is first done post birth, when that initial skin to skin contact is being done. Your newborn knows and is ready to receive nourishment. Baby will instinctively make its way to the breast, this is guided by a combination of factors including the sense of smell, touch, taste and innate reflexes, which is programmed into newborns. These factors tell and allow the baby to move their legs, as if they’re stepping or pushing upward in tiny movements with their arms. It also allows them use other reflex’s like the ‘rooting reflex’ and the ‘sucking reflex’.

A babies heightened sense of smell allows them to recognise mums smell, and the smell of milk. This helps lead them to the nipple to start feeding. Their sense of touch, when placed on their mother abdomen, helps them map out mum. These smart little babies remember and get better each time.

Ok- So- How to do this?

As soon as your baby is born, place him or her on your lower chest, close to your abdomen, embracing that skin-to-skin contact. Make sure that you are semi-reclined or in a laid-back position. Get comfortable. This shouldn’t feel unnatural. Allow your body to support your baby and use your hands and arms to ensure that your baby doesn’t roll off your chest. Be sure to touch your baby and stroke them gently, but know that with the breast crawl, your baby moves toward the breast all on their own— powered by all the newborn instincts they are programmed with.

Voilà!!! We have a latch!! This amazing moment is done without much assistance from mum and is pretty amazing to witness. Enjoy this moment! Smell your baby, feel your baby!

Research suggests that early initiation of breastfeeding, helps with a higher likelihood of breastfeeding success. This whole process isn’t just about nourishment, it can actually foster over-all wellbeing for both mother and infant. Feel that big surge of oxytocin!

Now, it’s important to acknowledge that not all mothers get this initial opportunity. This could be due to medical reasons for either mum or bubs. Don’t beat yourself up! As stated before, there will be plenty of opportunity later. Remember to keep up with the regular skin to skin contact, as it helps keep those breastfeeding instincts sharp and ready.

Women who experience a cesarean birth can still do this too! They just use a modified version of the breast crawl, so you’re not making yourself too sore. Simply place your baby headfirst at the top of your chest in an over-the-shoulder position. Utilise that birth partner and ask them to support your baby as they make their way down your chest to your breast. This can take a little longer but don’t stress. Make sure baby is calm and supported. If they become too distressed, try to calm them and start again. 

So!! just a little reminder- the breast crawl doesn’t JUST have to done immediately post birth, this is something that can be done in the weeks to come. Having trouble with latching? sore nipples? Bring it back to basics! and throw off that bra! Get comfy, get that skin to skin, and let that baby drive! This will promote a good, deep latch for a successful feed, as-well as help with milk production.

I was lucky enough to try this with all my babies and I wish I took a video, not just for looking back on, but to show you! I- like all us savvy mums, have utilised my daughters doll box and made a small video to show what a breast crawl may look like.

I also have attached a link that I find very useful regarding all things breastfeeding!

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/baby-led-attachment