The Secret Of The Breast Crawl For Newborns
Newborns are born with a whole bunch of really cool instincts and reflexes, and you can see them on full display when it comes to breastfeeding.
In fact, babies are primed to breastfeed right after they’re born! The breast crawl is the perfect example of an innate reflex built into newborns.
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The Reflexes Used During The Breast Crawl
If you place a healthy newborn on their mother’s chest soon after birth, they’ll use their stepping reflex and their heightened sense of smell to scoot their way up to their mom’s breast.
From there, they’ll use their rooting reflex to search for the nipple.
Then, when the nipple makes contact with their mouth, they’ll use their sucking reflex to start nursing.
Yes, this can all happen without much assistance from mom, and it’s a pretty amazing sight to behold.
Breast Crawl Video
Breast Crawl Research
The breast crawl was recognized as a phenomenon in 1987 at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, but, of course, babies have been doing it since, well… forever!
Not all parents are able to try the breast crawl, but if it’s something you would like to do with your baby, it’s a good idea to tell your healthcare provider beforehand, so they won’t whisk your baby away for cleaning or other procedures.
How To Get Your Newborn To Do The Breast Crawl
As soon as possible after birth, have your baby placed tummy-down on your chest or even your belly
There is no reason to clean your baby, or yourself; in fact, babies use smell to guide them toward the breast, so no need to clean any natural scents off
Babies often take up to 60 minutes to complete the breast crawl, so try to have some patience
You may observe your baby exploring their surroundings, moving their head from side to side, and even licking your skin
Slowly, they will squirm their way up to your breast, sniffing around for the milk, and bobbing their head around, trying to latch
You can let them do their thing, or you can help guide them; go with your instincts on this
Eventually, they should latch on and suckle!
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Breast Crawl Benefits
These first latches won’t be perfect, but it’s great practice and will set you and your baby up for a strong breastfeeding relationship. In fact, research has shown that early initiation of breastfeeding is correlated with a higher likelihood of breastfeeding success as well as a longer duration of breastfeeding.
It’s important to acknowledge that not all parents can do the breast crawl with their baby. There are many reasons for this, including a medical emergency for the baby or mom. Some hospitals just aren’t as accommodating of the breast crawl, either.
If you weren’t able to do the breast crawl at birth, don’t beat yourself up. There’ll be many opportunities to practice skin-to-skin with your baby, and that will help them tap into their breastfeeding instincts as well. Not only that, but you can do the breast crawl with your baby at any time over the first few weeks after birth, because their newborn reflexes will still be strong!
“Rebirthing” To Help Re-Establish Breastfeeding
In fact, if you’re currently struggling with breastfeeding—especially if you have a baby who won’t latch or resists breastfeeding—you can try something usually referred to as “rebirthing.” Pick a time when you and your baby are calm and relaxed. Strip your baby down to their diaper (or even have them go without one), remove your shirt and bra, lean back, and then place your baby on your belly or chest.
Often, your baby will start to crawl and move toward the breast, just like babies do after birth. Again, have patience and let your baby do their thing. Even if this doesn’t result in a successful latch, it can help you and your baby get more comfortable with breastfeeding, and can help rekindle the breastfeeding relationship.
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