Imagine placing your newborn on your chest right after birth and watching as they instinctively wiggle, root, and latch onto your breast for the first time—without any help. This incredible process is called the breast crawl, and it’s one of the most fascinating natural instincts of a newborn.
What is the Breast Crawl?
The breast crawl is a newborn’s innate ability to find the breast and latch on their own, typically within the first hour after birth. It happens when a baby is placed skin-to-skin on their birthing parent’s chest immediately after delivery. Given time and an undisturbed environment, the baby will begin moving, using their senses to locate the nipple and self-latch.
How Does It Work?
The breast crawl follows a natural sequence of behaviors:
Resting phase – The baby is placed skin-to-skin on the parent’s chest and takes a moment to adjust.
Awakening – They begin small movements and open their eyes.
Activity – Rooting, head bobbing, and bringing their hands to their mouth begin.
Crawling – The baby inches toward the breast, using their legs to push forward.
Familiarization – They explore the nipple, licking and smelling.
Latching and Suckling – Finally, the baby latches and begins feeding.
Sleep – After a successful first feed, the baby often falls into a deep, restful sleep.
Benefits of the Breast Crawl
This instinctive process offers numerous benefits for both baby and parent:
Encourages a deep latch, reducing the chances of nipple pain or damage.
Increases breastfeeding success, as babies who do the breast crawl often nurse more effectively.
Boosts milk production, thanks to early and effective stimulation of the breasts.
Enhances bonding, as skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, the “love hormone.”
Regulates baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, providing a smoother transition to life outside the womb.
Reduces stress and crying, making for a calmer newborn experience.
How to Encourage the Breast Crawl
If you’re planning to breastfeed, consider incorporating the breast crawl into your birth plan:
Request immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, delaying non-urgent procedures.
Minimize interruptions like unnecessary handling or bright lights.
Allow time and patience, as the process can take 20-60 minutes.
Avoid forceful positioning and let the baby find their way naturally.
Seek support from a lactation consultant if you have concerns about positioning or latch.
Need Help with Breastfeeding?
If you want to learn more about the breast crawl or need support with breastfeeding, I’m here to help!
Schedule a breastfeeding support session with me to feel confident and prepared for your breastfeeding journey.
Let’s honor the beauty of your baby’s natural instincts together!
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