The Newborn Breast Crawl

Survival is an instinct that is built within us as living beings. As we all know, nutrients from foods are our main source of survival; therefore finding these foods may be apart of our innate instincts.

When we think of newborn babies we understand that they depend solely on another being to ensure their survival, to keep them safe and fed. While this is true, would you believe me if I said your newborn baby has the innate instincts to find their nutritious food minutes after birth, all on their own? It’s possible! This is called the newborn breast crawl and is made possible when mother and baby are allowed the essential time together immediately after birth. This magical hour after birth is vital because it has the potential to establish life long affects for the baby, mother and partner. Once the baby is born he is then placed on mommy’s belly (or chest) which will provide the necessary heat he will need to help regulate his body temperature. While laying on the belly, his little feet will begin to kick as he instinctively tries to make his way up to your breast. These kicks will trigger your uterus and will aide in the delivery of your placenta! Neither you or your baby have been bathed so all smells are of utter nature. All of this will help your baby locate the breast. He still has amniotic fluid (fluid that makes up your bag of “waters” and aids in baby’s development during pregnancy) on his hands and will smell and suck them as well as root his mouth and head around in search for the boob (these are also feeding cues). The amniotic fluids on his hands will help guide him in finding a similar fluid on the nipples. Because your baby is still so new, he will depend mostly on his senses to get him to his food.

The olfactory or smell sense will be the most beneficial as your baby’s eyesight takes time to adjust. This is actually why your areola may increase in size and become darker in color during pregnancy, so your baby can easily find the nipple. In addition to the smell of the amniotic fluid, your baby will also smell your colostrum (first milk that appears thick, yellow or gold in color, and a little sticky in texture). Once he has made his way to your breast, your baby will try to latch and begin his very fist feeding. When mother and baby are allowed this uninterrupted time after birth, it creates a successful breastfeeding initiation and is likely to ensure a healthy breastfeeding journey. The breast crawl may not be a possible option at some birthing places but hopefully you are giving birth in a space where you feel comfortable asking your providers if this could be an option during your birthing experience.

references:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OYXd-mMSVU

http://breastcrawl.org/science.shtml