Laid-Back Breastfeeding
Did you know a newborn (healthy with no medical conditions and unmedicated) just out from mummy’s womb is able to do the “breast crawl” on mummy’s chest and find their way to the breast and start latching? This whole process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
The breastfeeding experience is beautiful for its ability to draw out natural instincts in a mother and her newborn baby. Without explanation, an infant can take to suckling his/her mum’s breast within seconds of exiting the womb. It is miraculous!
Breastfeeding is something that the human population has been practicing for thousands of years. Believe that you can do it too!
With the pressure to provide what is best for our babies, it is both easy and common to overcomplicate that breastfeeding experience. Allow yourself to relax while giving your baby the chance to take the lead by trying Laid Back Breastfeeding.
What is Laid Back Breastfeeding?
Laid-back breastfeeding describes a breastfeeding position that is relatively passive on the mother’s end and that relies on the baby’s instincts to crawl to mummy’s breasts and start to latch. Laid-back breastfeeding is also sometimes termed it as “biological nurturing”.
Laid-back breastfeeding is done by the mum leaning back comfortably against a wall or a couch. Your back and head can be supported with some pillows and/or blankets. Position your baby so that his tummy is on yours. Skin-to-skin is definitely the most ideal.
If you had a caesarean birth, allow your wound to heal and leave it untouched by positioning your baby across your shoulder. However, this will be rather challenging if you have not done it before. Do get the support of an IBCLC to guide you along.
Once your baby is on your tummy, your baby’s instincts will take over and he will begin wiggling and crawl his way up to your chest towards your breast, where he will latch on. Mothers can also guide your baby to the breasts, but allow your baby to take the lead. This is when you can relax on the bed while your baby embraces your body, your warmth and being close to you and your breasts.
Breasts have a natural odour that helps to attract and guide newborn to locate the areola by their sense of smell.
What are the benefits of Laid Back Breastfeeding?
Laid-back breastfeeding is a great alternative breastfeeding position for both mums who have had a vaginal birth and those who have had a cesarean section. This position also relieves mums of the typical “cradle-carry” position that can be tiring for the neck and upper back.
According to a breastfeeding medical journal, biological nurturing have the potential to “reduce breast problems (e.g., sore nipples), making good latch easier and thus facilitating the initiation of exclusive breastfeeding”. Therefore, laid-back breastfeeding is especially helpful for the initial few days and weeks, to establish a more effective breastfeeding journey while allowing mummy to be comfortable and resting while baby latches. This is one of my favourite videos by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), showing a real-life example of the laid-back breastfeeding position.
It never hurts to try a new breastfeeding position a couple of times, as you never know what your baby will like! The more you experiment with, the more likely you are to find the ideal nursing position for both of you.
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References and other information