Menu: Parenting
By Samantha Carter
Updated: Oct. 29, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 8, 2015
Regardless of your stance on breastfeeding, the process is undeniably intriguing. The ability of women, barring any complications, to nourish an infant using their own bodies is one of nature’s extraordinary phenomena. What many may not realize is that newborns are born with an instinctive capability to find the breast; this is known as the “breast crawl,” and it is truly remarkable. A video produced by the World Health Media Project demonstrates this process, showcasing the incredible abilities of newborns.
We often hear from healthcare professionals, media, and well-meaning relatives about how “natural” breastfeeding is. While this is true, it doesn’t always translate to a seamless experience for new mothers and their infants. The methods taught to mothers can sometimes feel forced or unnatural, causing unnecessary stress. The breast crawl aims to create a more natural environment, allowing the infant to instinctively navigate to the mother’s nipple within the first hour of life. This video illustrates the ideal scenario, and understanding the rationale behind it reveals its importance.
The essence of the video is straightforward: a newborn should remain on the mother’s chest immediately after birth. This practice helps regulate the baby’s body temperature and facilitates a gentle transition from the secure womb to the outside world. The narrator explains that as the baby is dried while resting on the mother, the hands should remain covered in amniotic fluid. This fluid carries a scent similar to that of the mother’s nipple, aiding the baby in locating it. In the footage, infants expertly find the nipple and latch on independently, warming against their mother’s skin and choosing their own moment to feed. Isn’t that astonishing? It’s as if nature equips the baby with all the necessary tools, allowing the mother to play a passive role.
Research from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden indicates that the breast crawl is remarkably successful in practice:
“Immediately after birth, the child was dried and placed on the mother’s chest. In the control group, a behavioral sequence not previously documented was observed. After 15 minutes of relative inactivity, spontaneous sucking and rooting movements began, peaking at 45 minutes. The first hand-to-mouth motion was noted at an average of 34 minutes after birth, and by the 55-minute mark, the infant had spontaneously located the nipple and commenced suckling.” The findings suggest that, “Babies completing the breast crawl with spontaneous attachment is instinctive and nearly universal, with very few requiring assistance.”
However, many mothers do not experience this ideal scenario. Typically, the first hour of a newborn’s life is consumed with routine procedures like bathing, weighing, and the APGAR assessment, unless a mother specifies otherwise. This often abrupt transition from a quiet womb to a bustling hospital environment is not conducive to bonding. The breast crawl promotes a serene start, allowing the baby to connect with the mother, which can lead to smoother nursing. The science supports this approach.
Reflecting on my experience, learning to nurse my daughter felt somewhat forced. After my C-section, I was quickly encouraged to nurse her. Although I appreciated the promptness, she didn’t seem ready. I recall a nurse supporting her head and pushing her toward my breast, which the video advises against. She resisted, appearing more interested in my proximity than in feeding. In those early days, she struggled to latch, and I wonder if allowing her to approach feeding at her own pace might have eased the process. It felt as though the nurses were focused on checking a box rather than accommodating our unique timeline.
Every mother has her vision for the postpartum period, and some may choose not to breastfeed at all. For those who wish to make nursing work, the breast crawl is a valuable concept to consider. Transitioning to nursing can be challenging, and new mothers can benefit from every advantage possible. The knowledge that a baby is instinctively prepared to navigate this process can empower mothers to support their infants at their own pace.
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Summary
The “breast crawl” is a natural instinct that allows newborns to navigate to their mother’s nipple shortly after birth. This phenomenon emphasizes the importance of a calm and bonding environment in the first hour of life, which can enhance the nursing experience. Research indicates that most babies can successfully latch on their own, given a supportive atmosphere. Understanding this process can help new mothers foster a more natural breastfeeding experience.