The Breast Crawl

The newborn breast crawl

A newborn human baby can crawl from the middle of mom’s chest to mom’s nipple, latch on and suckle all on his own!

Watch the breast crawl video…

The miracle of childbirth is shown here, it shows just how natural breastfeeding actually is. This magical video will help moms understand that they can and their babies can initiate breastfeeding right from the time that baby comes into this world.

The breastcrawl is so natural and instinctive to baby, this is why it is so important to initiate breastfeeding at least within a half hour to hour after birth, this early start to breastfeeding helps promote a successful breastfeeding relationship.

When a baby has been born without the interference below it can be a very special time in the first hour after birth, this is when baby is in an alert state.

This time together will help baby transition smoothly from inside the womb to the outside world, where mom’s voice is recognized and where baby feels secure and loved. This is a great bonding time for mom as

What things may interfere with this instinctive behavior?

- Medication, especially when given an epidural. The medication makes baby sleepy, disorientated and actually gives baby a slower less powerful suck for a whole two weeks after birth.

- Suctioning can cause problems in baby’s initial sucking. Most of the time baby’s nose and mouth can be wiped with a cloth.

- If baby is separated from mom straight after birth for any reason

What are some of the benefits of the breastfeeding crawl?

- Baby crawling to breast will help for the faster expulsion of the placenta therefore reducing blood loss.

- Helps for the faster excretion of the maconium (baby’s first stool) this will help prevent jaundice

- It increases the chances of a successful breastfeeding relationship

- It promotes early bonding between mom and baby

- It promotes the hormones that increase milk supply and help with milk flow.

Can any baby do the breast crawl?

- Have a natural birth if possible with as little medication involved as possible

- Avoid nasal suction if baby is crying well after birth

- Weighing, measuring and injections and baby's first bath can be done after feeding

- Give baby at least an hour to accomplish the first feeding

- Discuss the breast crawl with your doula, midwife or whoever will be involved with the birth.

- If the weather is cooler mom and baby can be covered by a lightweight blanket.

- Do not wipe or wash your breasts before the first breastfeeding.

- Skin on skin contact with no clothing in-between mom and baby is best.

- Stay in the room where you have given birth until baby has had his first feed.

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