We have heard from countless mamas how babywearing makes their life so much easier; having two hands free means you can do (almost) everything you need to do, and keep your little one close enough to kiss at all times. Did you know you can even breastfeed while babywearing? It’s true! Our friends at Tula have some super helpful tips for breastfeeding while babywearing. Do you have any tips to add to this list? For more detailed instructions, plus a video to help guide you, check out this handy post from Tula. Looking to get a Tula Carrier for yourself? Check out our review of the Free-to-Grow Carrier – and don’t forget to add it to your registry!
1. Be confident – know that you are giving your child the greatest gifts: love, nourishment, and the best start to a healthy life.
2. Be patient – give yourself room and time to learn, and if you get frustrated, take a break, reconnect with your baby, and do something else that makes you happy.
3. Dress accordingly – wearing a nursing top can really help with easy access for you and baby.
4. Loosen up – slightly loosen your arm straps and slightly slide your waistband down for more comfortable feeding.
5. Use your hands – oftentimes breastfeeding in a baby carrier is not truly hands free, as your hands may be needed to support your baby, breast, or a bottle, but just helps to make it a bit easier and mobile.
6. Use a blanket if you prefer extra privacy – but make sure you maintain visibility of baby to ensure their airway is open.
7. Reposition after feeding – whether they fall asleep or not, always reposition your baby to a snug, ergonomic position if you have lowered or reclined them to feed.
8. Check baby’s chin – as you latch your little one, make sure that he or she is keeping his or her chin off of her chest (you should be able to fit between 1-2 adult fingers underneath his or her chin) and that baby’s nose is free to ensure a clear airway.
9. Ensure baby has proper support – if you are breastfeeding in a Baby Tula Ring Sling, we recommend gently lifting and supporting your baby’s weight with one arm while lifting the top ring to loosen slightly with the other hand.
10. Maintain proper positioning – it is important to maintain the tummy-to-tummy position and keep knees higher than bottom in a deep M-position throughout the time that you are nursing.
11. Listen to your baby – listen to your child while he or she is nursing: snoring, grunting, or other noises can be an indicator of distressed breathing, and you should unlatch and reposition if these things occur, or if you visually notice an obstructed airway for any reason, or that baby’s chin has fallen to his or her chest.
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