When it comes to the miracle of childbirth, the sight of newborns instinctively crawling to their mothers for breastfeeding is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, witnessing this phenomenon—known as the “breast crawl”—can leave you in awe. A captivating video released by the World Health Media Project showcases this incredible natural instinct that babies possess right after they enter the world.
While many of us hear from doctors, media, and well-meaning family members that breastfeeding is “natural,” it doesn’t always come easily for new moms and their infants. The traditional approach to breastfeeding can sometimes feel forced, which is where the breast crawl shines. This process allows the newborn to spend that crucial first hour of life instinctively navigating their way to the mother’s nipple to nurse for the very first time. The video illustrates this beautifully, and the reasoning behind it is compelling.
The primary takeaway from the video is that newborns should remain on their mother’s chest immediately after birth. This practice not only helps regulate their body temperature but also offers a smooth transition from the warm, comforting womb to the outside world. The narrator explains that while the baby is gently dried off, the amniotic fluid is left on their hands. This fluid carries a scent similar to that of the mother’s nipple, aiding the baby in locating it. What’s astounding is that these infants are often able to find and latch on without any assistance, gradually warming up against their mother’s skin and deciding when to feed on their own. It’s as if nature has equipped them with all the necessary tools, requiring minimal input from the mother.
Research from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden emphasizes how effective the breast crawl can be. The study found that when infants were placed on their mother’s chest immediately after birth, they displayed a natural behavioral sequence, with spontaneous sucking and rooting movements emerging around 45 minutes post-delivery. The first hand-to-mouth movement typically occurred around 34 minutes after birth, with the baby finding the nipple and beginning to suckle shortly thereafter. The findings suggest that a vast majority of babies are capable of completing the breast crawl with little to no help.
However, many mothers don’t experience this ideal scenario. Often, the first hour of a baby’s life is filled with routine checks, bathing, and weighing, rather than bonding time with the mother. This can create a jarring experience for the newborn as they transition from the calm of the womb to the often-busy hospital environment. Allowing the baby to engage in the breast crawl fosters a more peaceful connection with the mother and can lead to a smoother nursing experience. It’s intuitive, and science supports this approach.
Reflecting on my own experience with my daughter, I recall how forced our initial nursing sessions felt. After my C-section, I was eager to nurse her quickly, but she seemed overwhelmed. The nurse’s attempts to guide her toward my breast didn’t align with her instincts. Instead, she just wanted to be close to me, snuggling against my skin. Looking back, I wonder if allowing her to find her way would have made a difference. It’s essential for new moms to recognize that every baby has their own pace, and understanding that they’re born equipped to figure out breastfeeding can be empowering.
Many mothers have their own vision for how the post-birth experience should unfold, with some opting not to breastfeed at all. For those who do, embracing the breast crawl can offer valuable support in making nursing a more natural and enjoyable transition. It’s encouraging to know that babies are born ready to connect and feed, and that nurturing this instinct can lead to a more fulfilling experience for both mother and child.
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Summary
The natural instinct of newborns to crawl to their mothers for breastfeeding—known as the “breast crawl”—is an awe-inspiring phenomenon. Despite the challenges some mothers face with breastfeeding, understanding this instinct can help facilitate a smoother transition into nursing. Research supports the benefits of immediate bonding after birth, emphasizing the importance of allowing babies to find their way to the breast at their own pace.