Carrying our baby from birth and continuing to do so until the carrier and child decide, is one of the most beautiful experiences of motherhood . In addition, ergonomic and respectful carrying has innumerable benefits for the baby, since it helps calm down by being in direct skin-to-skin contact, relieves symptoms of reflux and colic, or even prevents plagiocephaly and hip dysplasia.
If the mother breastfeeds her baby, it is also possible for her to breastfeed while carrying, combining both experiences in a practical, safe and beneficial way for both.
We explain how to breastfeed while you carry and what you should keep in mind so that the experience is positive.
Benefits of breastfeeding our baby while we carry it
Breastfeeding and babywearing is a perfect combination that brings together the benefits of both practices:
– Wearing encourages skin-to-skin contact, which in turn helps to establish and prolong breastfeeding.
– Strengthens the bond between mother and child and favors the physical and emotional well-being of the baby.
– Breastfeeding while in the koala position favors the baby’s digestion , as this position helps to expel gas, improves infant colic symptoms and prevents or minimizes regurgitation.
– This same posture also makes it easier to latch on to the breast when the baby has a brace or has difficulty latching on to the nipple correctly.
– Carrying and breastfeeding at the same time is especially practical in the case of babies who need to breastfeed frequently, since they always have their mother’s breast within their reach .
– Breastfeeding while you carry will allow you to continue walking, take care of your other children or do other things without having to stop your activity during the time your baby is nursing.
– Carrying it ergonomically while you breastfeed will help you avoid muscle tension and back pain caused by poor posture.
In short, breastfeeding while carrying is a comfortable, practical and discreet way to breastfeed your baby at any time and in any situation, which also provides other important benefits.
What should you take into account if you want to breastfeed while you carry?
Established breastfeeding
First of all, it is essential that breastfeeding is established and that there is no aspect that makes breastfeeding difficult. Mother and baby should feel comfortable and safe during feeding, and it is recommended that the baby preferably hold his head by himself.
Carry comfortably and without difficulty
But in addition to having mastered breastfeeding, it is also necessary to master the technique of carrying (know how to adjust and loosen the baby carrier correctly and feel safe in handling the baby) and that both the mother and the baby enjoy the experience.
Ergonomic baby carrier and proper posture
It goes without saying that the chosen baby carrier must be ergonomic, respect the baby’s physiognomy and allow him to adopt the natural position he had in the womb. This frog position (legs apart, hips open and knees bent) will allow breastfeeding in a comfortable way.
The preferred baby carriers for mothers who breastfeed while carrying are the elastic wrap, the shoulder strap and the ergonomic backpack, for when the baby is a little older.
Comfortable clothes
As a last piece of advice, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you can easily unbutton by inserting your hand through the side of the baby carrier, in order to expose the chest in a simple and quick movement.
Postures that facilitate breastfeeding while carrying
When breastfeeding while carrying it, it is necessary to slightly modify the carrying position , so that our baby’s head is just in front of the nipple and the grip is made easier.
Thus, for example, if we carry a scarf or shoulder bag, we must loosen the tension of the fabric, and if we are using an ergonomic backpack, we will do the same with the closures and straps. Once the baby has finished nursing, we will have to adjust and tighten the baby carrier again .
Below we share a video published by LactApp with tips for breastfeeding while wearing a wrap or ergonomic backpack:
Also on the Youtube channel Nordic Baby by Monetes they offer us very practical tips for breastfeeding in an upright position, both in a backpack and elastic wrap, as well as in a mei tai and ring shoulder strap.
Carrying and breastfeeding at the same time is a matter of practice , and as such you will gain ease as you try. However, if you have any questions or difficulties, we advise you to ask a lactation and baby-wearing consultant, who will surely offer you valuable advice to enjoy this beautiful experience.
