Embracing those arms!

Babies arms! Why are they always in the way when you are trying to breastfeed?

It turns out, Babies practice sucking in the womb and will suck on whatever gets close to their mouth ... basically, their hands! Although a newborn doesn't have much intentional control of arm and hand movements, they do seem to have some reflexive drive to bring their hands to their mouths at feeding time.

It's tempting to take an idea from the past and tightly wrap your baby in a blanket to restrict arm movements. Unfortunately, this not only confuses them but prevents them assuming the natural position to come to the breast.

Instead, focus on supporting your baby close to you, with their chest against your body and their arms embracing you, like a hug. Keeping the lower hand below the breast means it won't get in the way of attachment. Be patient as your baby mouths their upper hand as part of seeking the breast: a hungry baby will quickly work out they are sucking the wrong thing and begin rooting around seeking the breast instead. This interest in their hands and arm waving decreases gradually over the early weeks as they mature and learn through practice.

Avoid having an arm caught between your bodies as it prevents baby getting in close.

Your patience will be tested at times! Minimise the time between early feeding cues and attachment by keeping your baby within arms reach so you can respond as soon as they begin to stir. Delay changing nappies until they have taken the edge of their hunger with the first breast and will be calmer during the interruption!