Baby-led Breastfeeding

At our Bradley birth class this past weekend, we watched a video on baby-led breastfeeding.  The premise of this approach to breastfeeding is to calm the baby and let the baby find the breast.  Other mammals breastfeed their babies without having to show them where the breast is and guide them.  The video suggested connecting with the baby, laying the baby on your chest, and then letting the baby work his/her way down to the breast.  The video said that there's no hurry, that "we're on baby time."

According to an article originally posted in Today's Parent, after mom has connected with baby:

If he's hungry and ready to eat, the baby will start squirming around, bobbing his head against you, perhaps looking up at your face and making eye contact. He'll then start twisting to one side or even moving quite vigorously, almost throwing himself sideways. "At this point," Smillie says, "the mother's job is just to keep the baby relaxed and comfortable so he can follow through on his instincts. Support his neck and shoulders with one hand and his hips with the other, and just follow him as he moves. Avoid the temptation to try to make him latch on or even to try to line up his mouth with the nipple."

I am so very excited to try this connecting and letting the baby find the breast.  My roommate was just saying yesterday that the reason she loves babies and children is that they are so smart.  That they know what to do and watching them connect the dots is an amazing experience.  I have been watching my body change, and I will say that these breasts are certainly made for feeding this baby, and she needs to come out and do something with them soon!  They have a purpose!  Connecting with baby Lily is going to be so amazing.  I cannot wait!