CG How Swaddling and Covering Baby's Hands Impact Lactation -

How Swaddling and Covering Baby’s Hands Impact Lactation

Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting journey filled with learning experiences. One of the most important aspects of this journey is establishing breastfeeding. While many parents choose to swaddle their infants to promote sleep and reduce night-waking, it’s essential to understand how this practice can impact breastfeeding, especially in those early weeks.¹ This guide will help you navigate the balance between swaddling and encouraging your baby’s natural feeding cues.

Babies communicate their hunger through various cues, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or making smacking noises. These cues are vital for you to respond to their feeding needs. When babies are swaddled too often or too tightly, their movement can be limited, which may inhibit these cues. In other words, swaddling can work too “well,” making it harder for babies, especially newborns, to wake up for feedings. This can unintentionally decrease or delay their feedings.

Why Babies Hands are Always in the Way

Do you struggle to get a good latch because busy little fingers are in the way? Does your little one use their tiny fingernails to leave scratch marks on their perfect face? If so, you might find yourself reaching for those adorable infant mittens or feeling tempted to swaddle during breastfeeding.¹ However, research shows that these seemingly clumsy hand movements have surprising benefits!²

Ultrasound studies reveal that babies bring their hands to their mouths before swallowing amniotic fluid, making hand-to-mouth movements an important feeding cue to watch for.³
Babies use their hands to help locate the nipple before latching onto the breast.
Infants often use hand-to-mouth motions and suck on their fingers to soothe themselves before latching.³
Babies held skin-to-skin may use massage-like hand movements on the breast and areola, causing the nipple to become more “perky” and easier to latch onto.^4,5
These massage-like movements also increase your oxytocin levels, which is the hormone responsible for your milk let-down reflex.

How to Deal with Those Busy Hands?

Practice lots of skin-to-skin in the early weeks. It not only makes feedings easier, but also helps you respond quickly when you notice your baby’s early feeding cues.^4,5
Offer your breast as soon as you notice your baby’s early cues. A fussy, frantic baby is more likely to interfere with their hands, rather than use them purposefully.
Try feeding your baby in a “laid back” position with hands hugging either side of the breast. This position best supports baby’s breastfeeding reflexes, allowing them to use their hands to locate your breast and latch on.¹
If your baby is calmly using their hands to massage the breast/areola, don’t rush them to latch on. This is a normal behavior they may exhibit before latching.
Gently file any sharp edges of baby’s fingernails to minimize scratches on their face, instead of using mittens.

Why Minimize Swaddling?

When your baby is learning to breastfeed, it’s best not to swaddle them during feedings.¹ Studies show that babies swaddled right after birth may take longer to initiate breastfeeding, and swaddling can complicate proper positioning, leading to less effective suckling and reduced breast milk intake.¹ This can result in more weight loss compared to unswaddled babies. Additionally, swaddling can discourage essential skin-to-skin contact, which is crucial for recognizing early hunger cues and responding promptly with breastfeeding. Holding your baby close in a skin-to-skin position not only facilitates these cues but also encourages more frequent feedings, helping to establish a good milk supply.^4,5

How To Swaddle

Occasionally swaddling that doesn’t impede feeding can provide your baby with warmth and a sense of security. While we recommend practicing swaddling only occasionally, here are some important tips for safe swaddling:^6,7

Use only a thin blanket.
Do not swaddle during breastfeeding.
Keep your baby’s hips loose in the swaddle, as tight swaddling can cause hip problems.
Ensure the swaddle is loose enough to fit 3-4 fingers between your baby and the swaddle.
Allow your baby access to their hands within the swaddle.
Avoid weighted blankets, weighted swaddles, or any weighted objects near your baby, as they are not safe at any time in infancy.
Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over, usually between 2 to 4 months.
Always place your baby on their back when swaddled.
Be mindful that swaddling can increase the chance of overheating. Signs your baby is too hot include sweating, damp hair, faster-than-normal breathing, and flushed cheeks. Keep your baby lightly dressed and use a lightweight blanket to avoid overheating.

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

Babycare for the Breastfed Baby
Sleep for the Breastfed Baby
Moms Circle

To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/ ‎

References