The phenomenon known as the “breast crawl” is a remarkable instinctive behavior exhibited by newborns, allowing them to move toward their mother’s breast to initiate breastfeeding. This process often occurs without any assistance: a mother simply places her newborn on her chest or belly, and the infant instinctively begins to maneuver toward the breast, eventually latching on.
In my own experience with my second child, watching him engage in this natural instinct was unforgettable. Despite having read about the breast crawl, I was initially skeptical about whether he would know what to do right after birth. However, after a brief moment of rest on my chest, he began to press his tiny foot against me and started his journey toward breastfeeding. It was incredible to witness him licking my nipple and attempting to suck, all on his own.
For those who have not yet had the opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring event, you can view it here, but be warned: it may just make you yearn for another baby.
Understanding the Instinct
You might be curious about how an infant instinctively knows to perform this action. Various theories have been proposed, including the roles of smell, taste, vision, and innate instincts that guide the baby toward the breast. However, a groundbreaking study published in 2017 in Acta Paediatrica provides compelling evidence regarding the biological underpinnings of this behavior.
The research involved 41 mothers who delivered in an Italian hospital between January and February 2015. These mothers, all planning to breastfeed, had their newborns placed on their chests for at least 15 minutes post-delivery to encourage the breast crawl. The researchers monitored the mothers’ body temperatures at three intervals: approximately six hours before childbirth and one and two days postpartum.
Notably, even before giving birth, the mothers’ nipple temperatures were slightly elevated—0.4 degrees higher than surrounding skin. On the day of delivery, this difference increased to 0.9 degrees, and by the second day postpartum, it reached 1.1 degrees.
In addition, the researchers assessed the temperature of the newborns’ lips and foreheads. They observed that within the first two days after birth, the infants’ lips were consistently cooler than their foreheads—by 2.2 degrees on the first day and 1.8 degrees on the second. This creates a significant temperature difference of approximately 3 degrees between the warm nipples and the cooler lips of the baby, essentially making the mother’s nipples more attractive.
The hypothesis suggests that the cold lips of the infant are instinctively drawn to the warmth of the mother’s nipples. This biological mechanism operates seamlessly, demonstrating how nature facilitates the breastfeeding process. The study’s authors concluded that these findings illustrate a temperature gradient that enhances mother-infant interaction during the breast crawl, further supporting the continuum from birth to breastfeeding.
Encouraging the Breast Crawl
While not every mother may opt for this method or may find it feasible, I encourage those who can to give it a try. It offers a beautiful bonding opportunity and sets the stage for a successful breastfeeding experience. For more insights on home insemination and related topics, check out this article on our blog. Additionally, for authoritative information regarding home insemination, you might want to visit Make a Mom’s resources.
For those seeking information on infertility and pregnancy resources, Mount Sinai provides excellent guidance.
Conclusion
In summary, the breast crawl serves as a powerful testament to the innate biological connections between mothers and their newborns. This mesmerizing process highlights the remarkable capabilities of human physiology in facilitating breastfeeding.
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