Get Ready to Be Amazed by How Babies Crawl to the Breast Right After Birth

Whether you’re a breastfeeding parent or not, the natural instinct of newborns is truly awe-inspiring. One of the wonders of nature is that women can nourish their infants with their own bodies, and what’s even more incredible is that babies are born with the instinct to find their way to the breast. This phenomenon is known as the “breast crawl,” and it’s simply mesmerizing. A video by the World Health Media Project captures this remarkable ability, showcasing what newborns can do right after they enter the world.

We often hear from doctors, the media, and well-meaning relatives just how “natural” breastfeeding is, and while it can be, it doesn’t always come easily to every new mom and her little one. Sometimes, the way breastfeeding is taught feels forced or unnatural, which can make the experience more challenging. The breast crawl is designed to be as instinctual as possible, allowing a baby to spend that crucial first hour finding their way to the mother’s nipple without interruption. The video beautifully illustrates this process, and once you understand the science behind it, it all makes sense.

The Importance of the First Hour

Here’s the gist: in the first hour after birth, babies should stay on their mothers’ chests. This helps them regulate their body temperature and eases their transition from the cozy womb to the outside world. The video explains that when a newborn is dried off while still resting on their mother, the amniotic fluid left on the skin has a scent that resembles the mother’s nipple, guiding the baby to find it. As the babies warm against their mother’s skin, they instinctively move towards the nipple and latch on when they feel ready. Isn’t it amazing? Nature provides everything they need, and moms barely need to intervene.

Research on the Breast Crawl

A study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that the breast crawl was remarkably successful. After being dried and placed on the mother’s chest, babies showed spontaneous sucking and rooting movements within minutes, peaking at about 45 minutes post-birth. Most infants instinctively attach themselves to the breast without any assistance, which is almost a guarantee according to the findings.

Challenges in the Hospital Setting

In reality, many mothers don’t get to experience this ideal first hour. Often, newborns are whisked away for baths, weigh-ins, and various tests, which can disrupt that vital bonding time. This abrupt transition from a quiet womb to a bustling hospital environment can be overwhelming for a newborn. The breast crawl allows for a more gentle entry into the world, promoting bonding and making nursing easier.

A Personal Reflection

Reflecting on my own experience, I remember feeling that the attempt to nurse my son was rushed. After my C-section, I was eager to nurse him right away, but he seemed unprepared. A nurse assisted by pushing his head towards my breast, which the video suggests against. He resisted and just wanted to be close to me. In hindsight, I wonder if letting him approach feeding at his own pace would have made a difference. It felt like there was pressure to check off the “baby has nursed” box, rather than allowing us to bond naturally.

Embracing the Breast Crawl

Every mom has her vision of the perfect post-birth experience, and while some may choose not to breastfeed, those who wish to should consider the breast crawl. Navigating the learning curve of nursing can be challenging, and knowing that babies are born ready to figure it out can be a comforting thought. It helps to allow them to explore this new world and connect at their own speed.

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Conclusion

In summary, the breast crawl is an amazing, natural instinct that allows newborns to find their way to their mother’s breast. It’s a process that promotes bonding and can make breastfeeding easier, yet many mothers miss this opportunity due to hospital routines. Embracing this instinct may help in creating a smoother transition for both mother and baby.