What Is Breast Crawl?

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If you have heard of the term breast crawl, you must have wondered what it means. It occurs during the initial phase of breast feeding.

A new born baby has the ability to know that food is in the milk provided by the mother. When the baby is allowed to sit near the mother, he or she can crawl till the breast and consume the milk.

Here are some quick facts.

#1

Nature gave the innate ability to a new born baby to find the food in the mother's milk. And the baby's attempt to crawl till the mother's breasts is known as breast crawl.

#2

Health experts say that the process of breast crawl helps in many ways. Firstly, the baby wakes up to the abilities of recognising his mother. It helps in mother-baby bonding. Secondly, it can also prevent post natal bleeding.

#3

The nipple emits a peculiar smell which stimulates and guides the baby to the breasts of the mother. If a baby successfully reaches the mother's breast then it indicates development of sense of smell in the baby.

#4

When the baby consumes the mother's milk, it releases oxytocin which helps the mother experience the bliss of motherhood. This process is also said to prevent anemia.

#5

Also, when a baby successfully crawls, the muscles in the hip, neck and shoulder develop and allow the baby to move with flexibility.

#6

The process of breast crawl is natural when both the mother and the baby are healthy. This process may not be possible in cases of C-section. When a baby is separated from the mother soon after the birth even for a short while due to any reason (including C section), the process of breast crawl may not occur, say experts.