Breast Crawl Race

What is the breast crawl?

An innate instinct for newborns to move towards the breast shortly after birth.

When does the breast crawl take place?

Typically within the first hour after birth.

How to support the breast crawl?

Laying newborn on mom's bare chest supports this natural phenomenon. Newborns use the unique scent and taste of the amniotic fluid on their hands to navigate towards the breast.

What makes the breast crawl so fascinating?

It's an intentional physical journey and one of the first forms of sensory exploration outside of the womb.

How does the breast crawl benefit mom and baby?

A dyadic relationship is one where both mom and baby need each other. Newborns depend on the warmth of the mother's skin and the sound of her heartbeat for comfort and reassurance on the journey to the breast. Nursing also helps the mother's uterus return to its lowered position. This process can be quite painful, but a heating pad over the womb may help.