Breastfeeding and Babywearing
One of the great advantages of being able to wear your baby in a sling or baby carrier is that you can nurse discretely and hands-free. You can nurse your baby in just about any carrier that allows you to carry your baby in the front of your body.
Some tips for nursing in a baby carrier or sling:
Try to keep your baby’s body and head in a straight line when nursing. Think about keeping your bodies stomach-to-stomach while nursing.
At home, practice nursing in your carrier without wearing a shirt. While out, try wearing nursing shirts or button-down shirts to avoid having to tuck and un-tuck your shirt from under the wrap.
Remember that your child will become more comfortable with nursing with practice and that babies are wonderful at using cues to tell you what they need. Some babies do not like the fabric over their heads while nursing. Some babies prefer to nurse in the upright position like the Hug Hold. Be patient and be willing to try different positions.
How to nurse your baby in a Ring Sling
Ring slings are my favorite kind of baby carrier for nursing, especially for new moms. Nursing in a ring sling allows mom to stay on the move, even with a frequently nursing newborn. It is very easy to nurse discretely in a sling, and the fabric of the tail provides an excellent drape for additional nursing coverage.
Getting Started: When you and your baby are first learning to nurse, the easiest way to learn to nurse in a carrier is with a ring sling. Try putting the sling on, very loosely. Then settle in a comfortable chair to get your baby latched on. (When I was first learning to nurse my daughter, I would lay the sling right on top of the nursing pillow.) Once baby is settled in and nursing, you can gently tighten the sling around the baby to support their body in the exact position you are already using to nurse. With very new babies, you will still want to support your baby's head to ensure a good latch, but at least the sling will give you one arm free and allow you to be up and around a bit more.
Just remember, when nursing a newborn in a sling, you want the fabric of the sling to be supportive, but it should never be so tight that the baby's nose is pressed into the breast itself. No matter how old you baby is, always stay aware of their position in the sling.
Cradle Position: With your baby in a cradle carry all you have to do is slightly loosen the sling while you latch baby on. After baby is settled in and nursing, you can tighten up the sling so that it is comfortable and supportive for you and your baby. You can position baby’s head either toward or away from the rings, although most people feel more comfortable starting with the head away from the rings. (The 'head away from the rings' variation is particularly useful for the more well-endowed among us.)
Hands-free nursing can be accomplished by decreasing the pouch depth to support baby’s body (pull the middle of the fabric through the rings), and tightening the outer rail to support baby’s head (pull on the edge of the fabric through the rings).
Upright Position: You can also nurse in an upright position in a ring sling. It is quick and easiest to be hands-free. It is great for fussy babies, babies with reflux, and babies that are dealing with a fast flow or over-active let down.
How to nurse your baby in a wrap
A stretchy wrap is one of my favorite carriers for newborns, because it makes it so easy to carry your baby with you all day. It is a wonderful way to soothe fussy babies to sleep, and nursing in them is a breeze. All you have to do is place the baby in a cradle position in one side of the wrap, and help them latch on. The wrap provides so much coverage that no one will ever know that your baby is nursing in there!
Moby Wrap provides excellent instructions for nursing in a wrap. This same position can be used with other stretchy wraps, such as the Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Stretch.
How to nurse your baby in a baby pouch
Nursing in a Pouch baby carrier is easy: all you have to do is pull up your shirt (or down if it's a low v-neck or tank) and pull down the back layer of the pouch. You can use the top layer of the sling for privacy.
More buxom Mamas may find it is easier to turn the baby around so that his or her her head is towards the lower (non-shoulder) side of the sling.
How to nurse your baby in a mei tai baby carrier
It is possible to nurse in your carrier when you wear your baby in the front carry (I do it often). If you are able, it may be possible to simply lift your breast up to baby. If not, you can untie your straps to lower baby down a bit (re-tying them) to allow her to nurse. When she is finished simply lift her up and retie the straps. You can also lower one of the shoulder straps to allow baby access to the breast in a more reclined position (you will need to support her with one arm). This is especially nice with a smaller baby.
How to nurse your baby in a structured (pack) baby carrier (Ergo, Beco)
Nursing in a structured baby carrier such as the Ergo or Beco is very easy. The technique you use would depend on the age of your baby.
Newborns:
With the BECOpod or Ergo Infant Insert, your baby can be worn in a reclining position (similar to the cradle position in a pouch or ring sling). You would put the baby in the carrier with both legs together to one side and the head toward the other side with the baby's bottom centered in the middle of the carrier.
With older babies (4 months old or so), it is even easier to nurse in a structured carrier. With the baby in a front carry, all you have to do is loosen the shoulder straps to lower the baby until their mouth is at the right level for nursing. Then, nurse. It's that easy! Some moms may need to support the breast with one hand for nursing. Once the baby is done, just tighten back up, and away you go
1 comments:
Not a sling in the same sense as those you feature, but your readers might also be interested to learn about RES-Q Infant Wedge & Sling - with advice available from the Pediatric OT Co-inventor
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