Laid Back Biological Nursing

Laid Back nursing

Semi reclined nursing

Biological nursing

Intuitive nursing

Prone

These are synonymous terms in the lactation world, referring to the positioning of the parent's body and the baby's. Laid back positioning is a VERY important breastfeeding position to try if you're physically able to do so.

Benefits of the laid back position:

• Allows baby to get in touch with their primal/ innate instincts to feed

• Baby can have a wide gape (mouth open wide)

• Comfort for both parent and baby

• Can be easier for the infant to latch

• Helpful for recovery if you had a C-section

When the baby is born, allowing the baby a chance to "crawl" to the breast also gives them a chance to hone in on their biological instincts. They will start to root towards the nipple. Here is an example video of a breast crawl: https://youtu.be/b3oPb4WdycE?feature=shared

(Link opens in Youtube) . In this video, the mother appears to be fully reclined, nearly flat, which is not ideal. A slight incline is recommended. Then once baby is at the breast you can sit up a bit more. Here is another example of a baby rooting towards the nipple and latching all on their own! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t43-Pets8yQ

How do you accomplish the laid back position?

1. If you're in a hospital bed, you can adjust the bed into a semi-reclined position. If you're in a bed at home, you can use pillows to support your mid and upper back. If you're on the couch, prop your feet up on the ottoman or chaise with your upper body leaning back (not 90 degrees. you're probably at more of a 45 degree angle). Again, this is a more lounge-like position.

2. Parent's body should be topless with skin of the parent having direct contact with the skin of the infant. This is the definition of "skin to skin". Not only does it reduce heat loss in the infant, it promotes bonding. Infant can be clothed in a diaper.

3. If you're not planning to do the breast crawl, placing baby with their mouth near the nipple or directly over the nipple can work. Hospitals often will use the "nose to nipple" technique to ensure optimal head tilt so the baby opens their mouth wider for a deep latch.

4. Infant's body should be in a straight line. Not curved, or tilted, or slipping off to one side. If baby starts tilting their face to one side, you may notice sharp pains like the nipple is pulling in a wrong way. Try to make some tiny adjustments in positioning. Baby should be face down on the feeding parent's body (Tummy to tummy). Not in a swaddle.

5. Laid back positioning can be used for tandem breastfeeding (newborn and a toddler, or breastfeeding twins). If you want, you can hand express some colostrum prior to latching the baby and leave it on the nipple. Baby can smell and taste it. This gives baby a sneak peek that more is coming.

6. If this is one of the first latches, baby will start to suckle. If this is occurring in the first hour postpartum ("Golden hour"), colostrum (the first expressed milk) may be present. Colostrum is a form of milk, and is very thick, sticky, and yellow. It is high in nutrients. Some find they have much more colostrum than others (practically leaking, or they notice it during pregnancy. Others may not have as much right away.)

7. Signs that baby is latch and sucking --- subtle jaw movements in a rhythmic pattern, very quiet sounds of swallowing. It is OK if they're feeding with their eyes closed. If they open their eyes, make eye contact and talk to baby.

8. Remember to feed frequently and check diaper counts (pees and poos).

If you're wanting support with positioning your baby and ensuring you have it down, I am happy to consult with you. Try to tap into some of those biological instincts. Babies who also need supplementation can receive supplementation at the breast in the laid back position if they're stable to do so.

If you're not planning to breastfeed, and your baby is still rooming in, I encourage you to still have that golden hour of baby bonding time (the more time the better). You're setting up the foundation of your relationship. The longer you can spend bonding skin to skin in the beginning, the better.

I understand that in some circumstances, baby bonding can be missed (baby goes to NICU, you're in surgery, baby is in an incubator, etc.). These situations are tough. Any bonding time and skin contact your baby receives, even if it is later, is still very meaningful.