Baby wearing and breastfeeding at the same time

meetmow · September 2013

Hi Ladies! I'm looking for some advice on babywearing! I didn't really do it with #1, but I did spend hours a day on the couch BFing her. I'm thinking that I won't get that luxury once baby 2 is here and I am looking for some recommendations something that can keep me mobile with DD1 while BFing LO2. Oh, and I'd be fairly new to the whole babywearing, so I would need you to teach me about it like a child. TIA!

musicalmama5 · September 2013

I only started doing it with my Ergo when DS was about 4-5 months old, so my advice won't really help you for the newborn stage. Although, I've definitely read about nursing in a sling so I know it's possible... I think it will just take a bit of practice and trial and error. What kind of carrier/sling do you have?

Hopefully others will have better advice.

PumpkinAndThePeanut · September 2013

Nursing while babywearing is pretty much the only way i nurse in public.

I started nursing my babies in wraps (the Moby and k'tan) when they were around 3 months or so, or about the time they developed pretty good head control. I put them in the carrier facing me, sitting upright with their head against my chest and their legs dangling (frogged, with knees higher than butt). Then I lean forward slightly to create enough space for me to get my boob out, and stick it in their mouths and straighten back up, supporting my breast or their head with one hand to help them stay latched.

I did it today with our new Beco Gemini (a structured carrier now that my girls are a bit bigger) and did it pretty much the same way.

Hope someone else can help you with the newborn period. My girls were less than 6 pounds when we brought them home so we didn't wear them right away.

M0ON · September 2013

I have been nursing in the K'tan since 5 weeks. I have to support her head with my arm, so its not exactly hands free, but it still helps me get a lot done. Once she's done feeding I put her back in the hug/kangaroo position which is totally hands free.

If you google "becoming mamas babywearing" it has really extensive guides to all the different carriers, I would really recommend you check thst out.

Mrs.AmyDylan · September 2013

Check and see if there is a babywearing group in your area. I found the one near me on FB. For $25/yr membership you can loan out any carrier for a month. The leaders help you fit the carrier and you can trade for a different one each month.

My biggest advice is to really watch your back. I hated babywearing initially because it killed my back. My Pilates instructor helped me with my posture and abdominal control so that I could wear without pain. Good luck!

pixieprincss · September 2013

It is possible to nurse in any major style of adjustable carrier: ring sling, mei tai, soft-structured carrier, or wrap. I like to do it upright and tummy-to-tummy versus any sort of cradle carry (so baby is upright and not laying down in a carrier). I started with DS1 at 5 weeks and DS2 at 8 hours old. Here are my tips & links to my videos for nursing a woven wrap.

pixieprincss · September 2013

Oh, and ditto to finding a babywearing group! It took me 5 weeks to get to a meeting with DS1, which is why I started as "late" at 5 weeks. I could've done it earlier, had I known how.

pitterpatter129 · September 2013

I think ring slings are the easiest for newbies (and older babies too) for nursing. I've had a ring sling for awhile, but one of my babywearing group leaders was actually the one who showed me how to nurse in it.

musicalmama5 · September 2013

pitterpatter129 said:

I think ring slings are the easiest for newbies (and older babies too) for nursing. I've had a ring sling for awhile, but one of my babywearing group leaders was actually the one who showed me how to nurse in it.

LO wasn't crazy about the RS as a newborn, but I'm wondering if he'd like it now. He's 6 months and about 20 lbs. I'm envisioning him sitting on my hip, but I'm hands-free... Is this possible?

meetmow · September 2013

Thanks everybody! I live in the middle of South Dakota, so the internet is my major resource for information (as far as I can find, there are no baby-wearing groups within hours of me). Thanks for the advice and the links! I'll start checking them out immediately!

Angela814 · September 2013

A ring sling is pretty easy to nurse in. At home I usually just held DD3 in one arm while nursing her and trying to attend to DD2. I found it more cumbersome to put on the sling than to just carry a nursing baby around. In public I used the ring sling more since it kept me covered if she pulled off suddenly.

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Baby wearing and breastfeeding at the same time

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