Babywearing promotes physiological processes including lactation through skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. Are babywearing and breastfeeding compatible? In a wrap or baby carrier, it's entirely possible to combine the two. Here are 5 positions for breastfeeding while wearing!
How to choose the ideal baby wrap for breastfeeding?
They are all ideal in truth if you want to breastfeed your baby. Only the knots will be different depending on whether you have a knitted / stretchy baby wrap like ours (the knot stays tied) or if you have a woven baby wrap that will require untying the knot for a few moments to move baby towards your breast for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding in a baby wrap
Let's start by presenting some possible positions for baby wraps and breastfeeding.
1 - The Cradle position, a breastfeeding classic!
It's also called "extended cradle position". This is the position for babies who like to nurse while lying down. In a sling, like the Petite Echarpe Sans Noeud, it's very simple! You just need to slightly loosen the rings to tilt baby towards the breast.
With the BASIC or l'Originale JPMBB, with baby in the basic knot in front carry, you can tilt them into cradle position to breastfeed discreetly. (cradle position video tutorial)
2 - The Koala position, vertical breastfeeding
You see the koala clinging to its mother? Well that's exactly it! This position is really recommended for babies suffering from GERD or having lots of reflux and regurgitation.
This will actually be the only possible position for some babies who don't like the cradle hold. It's also very practical for mothers with a larger chest.
For babies who like to grab your hair, pull your earrings or just need to chew, there are MintyWendy nursing necklaces. Practical for developing fine motor skills, keeping them busy while sparing you (plus they're pretty).
And to protect your nipples from cracks and irritation, consider breastfeeding shells made of natural mother-of-pearl to prevent and promote healing while avoiding friction against your clothing!
3 - Hybrid position between the Cradle and Koala: the off-center front carry
Clearly a mix between the first 2 breastfeeding positions. The child remains in a vertical position, but is positioned on the side and not facing the breast. This position is very practical in a sling, with baby already on the side.
DISCOVER LOVE RADIUS BABY WRAPS FOR BREASTFEEDING
4 - Breastfeeding in a baby carrier
Breastfeeding baby in the carrier is entirely possible in a vertical position. It's even super practical because you'll have your hands free and can breastfeed anywhere.
A few tips:
- Install baby in the carrier as usual
- Slightly loosen the shoulder strap on the side where baby will nurse so the head is positioned facing your breast
- Guide them if necessary
- Slightly tighten the shoulder strap if needed once baby is nursing
Easy, right?
Our baby carriers for breastfeeding (but not only) PhysioCarrier and HoodieCarrier are equipped with head supports. They initially help support baby's head but also allow for discreet breastfeeding as it will cover your chest. Have the pleasure and possibility of breastfeeding anywhere :)
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5 - Freestyle breastfeeding, for the adventurers
Baby is screaming, they're hungry! We wiggle around, manage to extract a breast from the fabric. Meanwhile, the screams have given way to a head searching for a nipple. The suction-cup mouth pulls in everything within reach, and finally reaches the Holy Grail breast. From there, we adapt and see if the baby carrier or wrap works for breastfeeding. We end up adjusting everything and enjoying this moment, our mind and heart soothed by the release of oxytocin in our mother's body and in baby's. Breastfeeding while wearing? It comes naturally in the end.