Carrying your child promotes physiological processes including that of lactation thanks to skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her baby. Are babywearing and breastfeeding compatible? In a wrap or baby carrier, it is perfectly possible to combine both. Here are 5 positions for nursing while carrying!
How to choose the ideal baby carrier wrap for breastfeeding?
They are all ideal in truth if you wish to breastfeed your baby. The only difference will be the knots if you have a knit / stretchy baby carrier wrap like ours (the knot stays tied) or if you have a woven baby carrier wrap which will require you to undo the knot for a moment to move baby towards your breast for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding in a baby carrier wrap
Let's start by presenting some possible positions for the baby carrier wrap and breastfeeding.
1 - The Madonna position, a classic breastfeeding hold!
It is also called "cradle position". It is the position for babies who like to nurse while lying down. In a sling, like the Petite Echarpe Sans Noeud, it is very simple! You just have to slightly loosen the rings to tilt baby towards the breast.
With the Basic or the Originale JPMBB, with baby in the basic knot in a front carry, you can tilt them into a cradle hold to breastfeed discreetly. (video tutorial Madonna position)
2 - The koala position, vertical breastfeeding
You know the koala clinging to its mother? Well, that is exactly it! This position is really to be preferred for babies who suffer from GER or who have a lot of reflux and regurgitation.
This will also be the only possible position for some babies who do not like the cradle hold. It is also very practical for mothers with a larger bust.
For babies who love to grab your hair, pull your earrings or who just need to chew on something, there are the MintyWendy breastfeeding necklaces. Practical for developing fine motor skills, keeping them occupied while giving yourself a break (and they look lovely too).
And to protect your nipples from cracks and irritation, think of natural mother-of-pearl nursing shells to prevent and promote healing while avoiding friction against your clothes!
3 - Hybrid position between the Madonna and the 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 rather than facing the breast. This position is very practical in a sling, with baby already on their side.
DISCOVER LOVE RADIUS BABY CARRIER WRAPS FOR BREASTFEEDING
4 - Breastfeeding in a baby carrier
Breastfeeding baby in the baby carrier is perfectly possible in a vertical position. It is even extremely practical as you will have your hands free and can breastfeed anywhere.
A few small tips:
- Place baby in the baby carrier as usual
- Slightly loosen the strap on the side where baby will nurse so that the head is positioned in front of your breast
- Guide it if necessary
- Slightly tighten the shoulder strap if needed once baby is nursing
Easy, right?
Our baby carriers for breastfeeding (not only, of course) PhysioCarrier and HoodieCarrier are equipped with head supports. They allow you to first support baby's head but also to breastfeed discreetly as they will cover your chest. Enjoy the pleasure and possibility of breastfeeding anywhere :)
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5 - Freestyle breastfeeding, for the adventurous
Baby is crying, they're hungry! We wriggle, manage to pull out a breast from under the fabric. Meanwhile, the cries have given way to a little head searching for the nipple. The suction-cup mouth draws in everything within reach, and finally latches onto the breast grail. From there, we adapt and see if the baby carrier or wrap suits breastfeeding. We end up adjusting everything and enjoying the moment, mind and heart soothed by the release of oxytocin in our mom bodies and in baby's. Breastfeeding while carrying? It comes naturally in the end.