Slings and Breastfeeding
After 4 years of breastfeeding and babywearing, I have made a discovery - wearing baby in a sling is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to breastfeeding successfully.
Scientific studies of the properties of breastmilk have concluded that we are biologically designed to nurse our babies often, on average 8-12 times a day. Many new mums will lament that their newborn baby wants to feed around the clock, and sometimes it can be a relief just to know that this is normal. In fact, babies need to feed frequently in the early days, in order to build up milk supply, and grow and thrive optimally. When babies are held in the sling, they are close to the breast and have easier access to feed more frequently.
But breastfeeding a baby in the sling can give relief to the frustration of 'doing nothing but feeding'. Nobody can deny that if you can feed your baby to sleep and get the washing up done at the same time, you will save a few minutes for other activities. Mothers learn to be experts at multitasking, and a busy mum's proverb should be 'an hour in the pouch is worth two on the couch!' (a pouch is a type of sling). Breastfeeding need not interfere with the family's usual routine, if mum can walk her toddler to playschool whilst feeding her little one in the sling.
If you are concerned about displaying a bit more boob than you'd like, don't worry! Breastfeeding in the sling is discreet. When using a sling, breastfeeding in public is much less daunting, and feeding whilst out and about allows mum more freedom. The tail of an open tailed ring sling can be used as a cover up if you are extra self-conscious. Breastfeeding clothing can make this even easier.
One common reason mothers stop breastfeeding, is worry about milk supply. Babies tend to be content in the sling for longer periods than when they are laid in a pram or cot, because they are soothed by their mum's movement and heartbeat, nestling against her chest. Mums of contented babies are less inclined to wonder if her baby is dissatisfied with her milk.
Slings aren't just for mums, either – in fact they are a great way to give mothers a well-earned break. Babies who are accustomed to the baby sling are more likely to settle with another carer who is using the sling. An additional benefit is that the baby can often still smell her mother's familiar smell on the sling, like a favourite t-shirt! I can personally recommend having a long relaxing bath, while baby is rocked to sleep nestled against daddy's chest in the sling. A great way for dads to bond without having to supplement with a bottle.
With all those benefits you may be wondering if it is too good to be true! Well, like breastfeeding itself, breastfeeding in the sling is something that mother and baby have to learn, and it can take a little practice.
How to breastfeed in a sling
The first time you try to breastfeed in a sling, don't try it in the supermarket when your baby is crying and you are feeling tense, self-conscious and in a hurry!
Choose a time when you and your baby are relaxed, then sit down and loosen or unfasten the sling. Hold your baby the same way you would usually, and gently latch the baby on. Once baby is feeding contentedly, carefully tighten/fasten the carrier, supporting baby's head the whole time to make sure she stays latched on. Then you can slowly start to move around – hey presto!
Once you have practiced it a few times, you will find it gets easier. I have now fed my babies in mei tais, ring slings and pouches, in pubs, at boot sales and at barbeques. I've personally always preferred to go somewhere private to latch baby on though (I guess I'm a shy girl at heart). My number one tip for baby sling breastfeeding confidence is to check in a mirror. Then you can see what everyone else will see – a gorgeous mum with a contented baby in a sling, and a twinkle in her eye (but they needn't know why)!
Best Baby slings for Breastfeeding
Most slings are suitable for breastfeeding, however here are my favourites:
- ring slings with an open tail, such as ellaroo ring slings – great for a discreet cover up, or for mopping up spit-ups! They are also really adjustable, even whilst baby is already in the sling
- Wrap slings, especially the stretchy types like Moby wraps as they allow easier positioning
- Pouch slings, such as rockin'baby pouch slings, especially when babies are small as the cradle hold is a natural breastfeeding position.
- Mei tais like napsack baby, especially for older children who like to be upright, mei tais can be untied and re-tied, you can adjust it so baby sits lower, loosen it or tighten it as required