The Breast Crawl: A Natural Start to Breastfeeding
- Chelsea Lactation & Postpartum Care
- Feb 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Pregnant in Chelsea, Gatineau, or Ottawa?
One of the most remarkable things your baby may do right after birth is the breast crawl - a natural, instinctive set of movements that newborns are born to do. They have these reflexes specifically to find the breast and latch on without help.
Understanding this process can be empowering to parents. I would love to see more parents add this to their birth plan and breastfeeding goals leading up to delivery.
What is the Breast Crawl?
The breast crawl happens when a newborn is placed in skin-to-skin contact on their birthing parent's chest or tummy immediately after birth and left undisturbed for 1-2 hours. Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact gives the baby time and space to use their senses and reflexes to locate the breast and begin feeding - all on their own.
It is a universal mammalian instinct for newborns to find the mother's mammary glands and initiate feeding. Like all mammals, healthy, full-term human babies are born knowing how to do this.
Allowing the breast crawl to take place kickstarts breastfeeding and bonding in the most natural way possible. This is something that families in Chelsea, Gatineau, and Ottawa can include in their birth plans as a way to give their baby the best possible beginning.
How the Breast Crawl Works
After delivery, babies move through 9 distinct phases.
Birth cry – Intense crying just after birth
Relaxation phase – Baby spends time resting and recovering in stillness.
Awakening phase – Baby begins small head movements up, down, side-to-side and small movements of limbs and shoulders.
Activity phase– Baby begins bigger movements and pushes with limbs without yet getting anywhere
Crawling phase – Pushing motions continue which move baby towards the nipple.
Resting phase – Baby rests, with limited activity, and sucks on hand.
Familiarization – Baby licks, smells and explores the nipple with their mouth.
Suckling phase - Baby latches to nipple and begins suckling.
Sleeping phase - Baby closes its eyes. Birthing parent may also fall asleep.
This process can take 20-60 minutes or longer, so patience and uninterrupted skin-to-skin time are key.
Why the Breast Crawl Matters
Researchers and breastfeeding experts agree that this is the preferred way for parents to initiate breastfeeding.
The breast crawl is biologically normal and has documented benefits:
Encourages a deep latch, reducing nipple pain.
Boosts milk production through early stimulation.
Enhances bonding and calming for parent and baby.
Skin-to-skin increases oxytocin, which reduces postpartum bleeding.
Regulates baby’s body temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
A successful infant-led first latch promotes parental confidence and lays a strong foundation for breastfeeding success.
Because of these benefits, my greatest wish is that more birthing people in Ottawa-area hospitals and birth centres request this on their birth plans. I believe it would prevent many early breastfeeding challenges.
Tips to Encourage the Breast Crawl
Here’s how to set the stage for your baby’s first latch:
✅ Ask for immediate skin-to-skin contact right after birth - make sure your entire care team is aware and knows you want baby to initiate breastfeeding.
✅ Delay routine procedures (like weighing and measuring) until after the first feed. Find out in advance what the standard routine is at your planned place of birth and advocate for changes that fit your goals.
✅ Keep the environment calm with dim lighting and minimal interruptions. Your birthing partner or doula can help with this.
✅ Let your baby lead—avoid forceful positioning. Be patient and watch what your baby can do.
✅ Talk with your birth team ahead of time so they know this is part of your birth plan. Don't assume your team will be supportive. They may require education and encouragement.
Get Ready with Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep
Are you pregnant and planning your birth in Chelsea, Gatineau, or Ottawa? Getting ready for breastfeeding starts during pregnancy.
Book a Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep Class
In our one-on-one prenatal session, I'll cover:
✨ Basics of breastfeeding and milk supply
✨ What to expect during the first hours, days, and weeks
✨ How to avoid and manage common challenges
✨ Hand expression techniques you can use from 36 weeks
✨ How to include the breast crawl in your birth plan
✨ Answers to your questions about feeding, positioning, and more.
This class is perfect for any parent who wants to breastfeed their baby.
👉 Book a Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep class and get ready for breastfeeding.