Babies hands and breastfeeding
Babies hands are an important tool in getting a good attachment to the breast. Unfortunately this is something we have had to relearn as we overcome the loss of breastfeeding wisdom in the past century.
In the womb, babies suck their hands. You might have seen your baby doing so on ultrasounds. This means they have a strong association between their sucking reflex and their hands long before birth.
When babies are seeking the breast they use their hands to guide them. If their face isn't in contact with the breast, their hand might find the nipple first. They might then turn their face to their hand, bringing it in line with the nipple.
After sucking on their hands and realising there is no milk, they will soon begin seeking the nipple again and now it is close to their face and likely to be erect from contact with the baby. They can then seek and latch with a wide mouth in anticipation of being near their target.
The physical contact of hands against the mother's skin will also stimulate the let-down reflex and milk might seep from the nipple. The baby can smell this, further guiding them to the source.
Restricting babies hands confuses and frustrates them. They have lost a primary tool in seeking the breast, are distracted by sensory feedback on their hands unrelated to feeding and might "fight" to bring their hands back up to their face.
Sore or damaged nipples make mother's fearful of tiny hands with brand new fingernails. It is natural to want to get those away from tender skin. However good attachment prevents further damage and supports healing. If you can, begin the feed on the least sore side to take the edge off their appetite and allow you the benefit of relaxing hormones before repositioning to latch on the other breast.
As babies develop skills in finding the breast, they use their hands less and less. It is part of the learning period but passes after the early weeks. Older babies will pat or stroke the breast to stimulate let-downs throughout the feed and to bond and connect with their mother. Keeping their hands free continues to be important.
