So, we keep hearing that one of the benefits of babywearing is the convenience it gives for breastfeeding -- in theory, just latch them on and off you go, baby feeding while you carry on. But how simple is it?
Well, unfortunately I can’t speak from personal experience on this one, as I found the breastfeeding part hard enough in itself without complicating matters, but here’s what the experts (the women who do it!) say.
As with anything, it is easiest to learn something new if you start off somewhere quiet, with plenty of time and feeling relaxed. Many people prefer a ring/pouch sling, or a soft wrap, for ease of positioning the baby, but it can be done with a mei tai aswell. I am told that if you want to make sure you retain modesty, it is a good idea to wear layers, so you can lift the top layer up and pull bottom layer down. If using a ring type sling, hold your baby in a cradle carry, and latch him on. If you are feeding an older baby, or using a mei tai, the tummy to tummy position is best -- with a MT just loosen the straps to lower the seat area down so that their mouth is at the right level, and away you go again. You can also do a tummy to tummy carry in a ring sling too, and this looks fab for older babies, who may not like the restriction of being laid down.
It does look pretty straightforward, I have to say. If you’re have trouble, keep practising, and you will get there!
So, what about those benefits? Well, as breastfeeding is best done on demand, feeding whilst using a sling gives great convenience once you know how to do it, and means you can keep covered up if you wish, using the carrier as a cover. Not only that, but the act of babywearing helps facilitate breastfeeding as you produce more milk when your baby is close to you, and by more frequent feeding, so it is perfect if you are having difficulty.
If you have any of your own tips to add, we’d love to hear them in the comments below!
Video Credit: slingsilove on youtube
Related posts:
Slings can be great for mobile breastfeeding!
I feed my son (16 mths) in my Connecta by lengthening the shoulder straps at the buckle to drop him down to the right level. I discovered I could do this at about 6 months, I think, but probably could have done it earlier.
As in the video above, I shuffle him a little to the side we’re feeding from. I undo my bra, lift up my top and pull down my vest top that’s underneath to reveal a minimal amount of breast, and he latches on.
Usually, it’s a feed before a sleep, so once he’s asleep I hold him under his bum while shortening the shoulder straps to gently raise him to a more comfortable long-term carrying position, and lay his head on one side.
The Connecta sleephood is great for total privacy while feeding on the go – I’ve fed while walking down a High Street on a summer’s day and no-one noticed, not even my mum who was walking next to me!