As a mother of seven, I often think of early parenthood as our own personal "mud season." It's messy, exhausting, and definitely dirtier as you navigate the transition into life with a newborn. But just like the spring garden, your little wonder is arriving with everything they need to bloom already tucked inside them. Today, I want to talk about one of the most incredible "little wonders" of all: the inherent, God-given instincts your baby is born with that lead the way to breastfeeding success. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the technical "rules" of breastfeeding, take a deep breath. You, and your baby, were built for this. THE MIRACLE OF THE "BREAST CRAWL"When we think of newborns, we often think of them as fragile and entirely helpless. While they certainly need our protection, they are far from passive. From the moment they are placed on your chest, your baby is born with primitive neonatal reflexes (PNRs) designed specifically for survival and connection. Have you ever heard of the "breast crawl"? It is one of the most agonizingly beautiful things to witness. If a healthy newborn is placed skin-to-skin on her mother's abdomen immediately after birth, she will instinctively begin to move. Using her tiny legs to push and her rooting reflex to seek, she can actually "crawl" her way up to the breast, find the nipple, and latch, all on her own. This isn't just a "neat trick"; it’s a biological roadmap. These instincts, including the stepping reflex, the hand-to-mouth transition, and the search for the "target" (your areola), are part of a delicate neurobehavioral dance. When we step back and allow baby's instincts to take the lead, breastfeeding often moves from a struggle against gravity to a flow with nature.  biological nurturing: the power of restIn my years providing breastfeeding consultation and birth doula care in the Twin Cities, I’ve noticed that many moms are taught to sit bolt upright, use a million pillows, and "hold" the baby just right. While that works for some, it can sometimes work against gravity and the baby's natural reflexes. This is when Biological Nurturing, or "laid-back breastfeeding" shines. In my birth classes, I teach mamas that active, upright positions help the birth to progress, despite generations of mothers being taught or forced to lie down as they are "delivered" passively of their babies. And then mothers are taught to sit upright for feeding their babies, using their breasts as if they were bottlefeeding. Which often leads to cracked and bleeding nipples and "nipple"feeding; not breastfeeding! Remember: "Upright for birth. Laid-back for breastfeeding." When you recline comfortably ~ think of a 45-degree angle on a cozy sofa ~ gravity helps your baby’s body stay in close contact with yours. This skin-to-skin contact releases a flood of oxytocin (the "love hormone") in both of you. For your baby, being tummy-down on your body triggers those feeding reflexes rather than the "startle" reflex that often happens when they feel like they are falling. It’s a reminder that we don't always have to "do" more. Sometimes, we just need to create the space for nature, and God’s design, to do the work. While laid-back breastfeeding is a simple practice that can prevent or treat common early breastfeeding difficulties, it isn't magic. I recently helped a new mother who was struggling to breastfeed her newborn. Her particular anatomy made "laid-back breastfeeding" a bit more challenging. Added on to that biological challenge, her baby was bottle-fed in the hospital and nipple shields were introduced at the same time. This mama also struggled with a more forceful milk release. These interventions and the mother's forceful let-down resulted in him being somewhat more comfortable with artificial nipples; the mother reported he seemed to struggle at the breast. Furthermore, this mama described breastfeeding as being more painful on one side. We worked on weaning baby from the shields and a minor adjustment in how this mama held her baby that immediately made breastfeeding more comfortable. By applying what she learned and working with her baby, she reported back that her baby was latching on much better and staying attached much longer and that breastfeeding was much easier. Sometimes just having an experienced breastfeeding counselor available to check out a feeding is enough to get things on track. Your baby's instincts are amazing but they may only get you so far. It's okay to ask for help if you think you and your baby might need it! your little wonders: april & may class scheduleAs part of our "Your Little Wonders" theme this season, I am so excited to help you dig into these lesser-known skills your babies possess. We aren't just teaching them; we are fostering what is already there! Here is a glimpse at what we have coming up to help you support your baby's development:
a special invitation: st. crOix mamas' groupWhile I love our virtual community, there is something so incredibly restorative about sitting in a circle with other mothers who "get it." I am especially passionate about growing our local support network here in the St. Croix Valley and Twin Cities area. I want to invite you to a very special session of the St. Croix Mamas' Group:
Whether you are currently breastfeeding and looking for tips to make it easier, or you are pregnant and seeking natural birth support and a community to plug into, this group is for you. My heart is to create a space where my future birth doula clients and current families can find lifelong friends and evidence-based encouragement. Click here to learn more about our Parents' Groups and RSVP! "succeed" when you breastfeedI want to share my own little memory device that will help you Succeed When You Breastfeed. Remember the word SUCCEED:
 you arE not aloneI know the fear that can come with breastfeeding. I know the worry that your body won't "work" or that you won't know what to do. But I want to remind you: You are enough. Your desire to nourish your child is a beautiful, holy thing. Whether you are struggling with a painful latch or just looking for a village to walk alongside you, please know that there is a place for you here. There is no need to "move on" or "figure it out" by yourself. We are here to hold your hand through the mud until the flowers start to bloom. I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever tried laid-back breastfeeding, or did you notice your baby's instincts in those first few days? Share your "wonder" stories in the comments below! With love and prayers, Christelle President, St. Croix Birth & Parenting LLC Interested in personalized care? Explore our birth doula services or schedule an in-person or virtual breastfeeding consultation today. We serve families locally in the Twin Cities and virtually around the world.
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