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Witness the Incredible Journey of Newborns as They Crawl to the Breast Right After Birth
by Laura Jenson
Updated: Oct. 29, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 8, 2015
Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, the process is nothing short of captivating. The ability of women to nourish their infants with their own bodies is one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. What’s even more astonishing is that babies are born with an innate understanding of how to breastfeed. This phenomenon, known as the “breast crawl,” is truly breathtaking. A video produced by the World Health Media Project showcases this incredible instinct, and the capabilities of freshly born infants might astound you.
We often hear from healthcare professionals, media outlets, and even our well-meaning relatives about how “natural” breastfeeding is. And indeed, it is. However, that doesn’t always translate to a smooth experience for every mother and her newborn. Sometimes, the methods used to teach breastfeeding can feel forced and unnatural. The breast crawl is designed to be as instinctual as possible, allowing the infant to spend their first hour of life organically navigating to their mother’s nipple for that first feeding. This video illustrates the ideal scenario, and when you grasp the reasons behind it, it all makes sense.
The essence of the video is straightforward: during the first hour after birth, a baby should be placed on their mother’s chest. This practice not only aids in regulating their body temperature but also facilitates a gentle transition from the warm, familiar womb to the outside world. The video’s narrator explains that while the baby is being dried, their mother’s hands should remain covered in amniotic fluid. The scent of this fluid closely resembles that of the mother’s nipple, helping the baby locate it. In the footage, newborns skillfully maneuver to find the nipple and latch on independently, warming themselves against their mother’s skin and choosing when to feed. Isn’t that phenomenal? It’s as if nature equips the baby with all the necessary tools, requiring minimal effort from the mother.
According to a study conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the success rate of the breast crawl is impressively high:
“Immediately after birth, the infant was dried and placed on the mother’s chest. In the control group, a previously undocumented behavioral sequence was observed. After 15 minutes of relative stillness, spontaneous sucking and rooting movements began, peaking at 45 minutes. The first hand-to-mouth movement occurred at an average of 34 minutes post-birth, and by 55 minutes, the infant had autonomously found the nipple and started to suckle.” The study concludes that “infants completing the breast crawl with spontaneous attachment is instinctive and almost universal, with very few needing assistance.”
Unfortunately, many mothers do not experience this ideal scenario. Typically, unless a mother specifically requests otherwise, the initial hour of a newborn’s life is often filled with bathing, weighing, and the APGAR assessment. This isn’t always the case, but it frequently is. It’s clear that this can be a jarring experience for a newborn, transitioning from the serene womb to a bustling hospital environment. The breast crawl helps ensure that the baby’s first moments are peaceful, allowing for bonding with the mother, which can result in smoother nursing experiences. This approach is not only logical but is also supported by scientific evidence.
For instance, my own experience with nursing felt somewhat pressured. After my C-section, I was promptly encouraged to nurse my baby, which I appreciated given the circumstances. However, my son didn’t seem ready at that moment. I vividly recall a nurse supporting the back of his head and guiding him toward my breast, which, according to the video, should not be done. He instinctively resisted, appearing to crave closeness rather than feeding. In those early days, he was a frantic nurser, struggling to latch on, and I can’t help but wonder if allowing him to approach feeding at his own pace might have made a difference. It felt like the nurses were merely ticking off a box on their checklist, rather than respecting our natural rhythm.
Every mother has her own vision for the post-birth experience, and of course, some may not choose to breastfeed at all. However, for those who wish to make nursing work, considering the breast crawl could be beneficial. Transitioning to nursing can be challenging, and new mothers can benefit from every helpful tip available. Understanding that babies are literally born ready to navigate this process can empower us to allow them to set the pace.
If you want to explore more about the breast crawl, check out our related post here. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination options, consider visiting Make a Mom for reliable syringe kits. For further insights into treating infertility, ACOG offers an excellent resource.
In summary, the breast crawl is a remarkable aspect of nature that highlights the instinctual bond between mother and newborn. By allowing infants to find their own way to the breast, we can facilitate a smoother transition into breastfeeding, enhancing the overall experience for both mother and child.
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