Babywearing and breastfeeding often go hand in hand; breastfeeding encouraged and even made easier by babywearing and babywearing encouraged and even made easier by breastfeeding. There can be a learning curve to figuring that out though but worth taking the time to see if it is something that would work for you. Once I got the hang of breastfeeding in a carrier it made it so much easier to chase around my other children (I have 6 total, keeping up is a big job!) and meet my baby’s needs too. Whatever carrier you have or prefer, breastfeeding is likely possible while babywearing.
Feeding a baby in a carrier is totally doable. It may not be easy at first, but with a little patience and practice, you and your baby will get the hang of it in no time.
Here are some tips for breastfeeding your baby in a baby carrier:
- Be confident. Fake it until you are.
- Be patient. It may take time and practice and being patient with the process will help in the long run.
- Practice at home when baby isn’t hungry so you don’t feel stressed or rushed.
- Release strap on side you’re going to feed from.
- Loosen and lower waist if you need to get the baby still lower to the breast.
- Wear a low cut stretchy neckline and pull breast out the top to avoid wrestling with pulling your shirt up with baby on you.
- Slip hand in top or side of carrier to free breast and latch baby. Can use two hands usually if needed.
- Large breasted women may find a rolled up receiving blanket placed under the breast helpful for support.
- If baby has trouble latching, leaning forward may help give a little more space.
- Once latched tighten straps for hands-free Breastfeeding.
- If you feel you need more coverage snap one side of the hood. Leave the other open so you can see in easily.
- Once baby is done eating, slip hand in to put your breast away.
- Tighten strap and waist to raise baby back to the safest position with the top of their head easily kissable.
view How To Breastfeeding Videos
Breastfeeding carries on! This post originally appeared here. Re-posted with permission.
Drawing from a diverse background in the performing arts and midwifery, Jessica Martin-Weber supports women and families, creating spaces for open dialogue. Creator of The Leaky Boob, she co-parents her 6 daughters with her husband of 16 years.
