By Emily Little, PhD
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of life. However in the US, only 26% of infants are exclusively breastfed at six months, highlighting a significant gap between medical recommendations and reality. While skin-to-skin contact at birth is well-known to promote breastfeeding, the impact of ongoing physical closeness between parent and infant remains less explored.
Carrying infants close to the body is a common practice in many cultures worldwide, with benefits that extend beyond mere convenience. In Guatemala, for instance, over 90% of mothers carry their babies. However, in the US, baby carrying has been largely replaced by car seats and strollers, potentially impacting breastfeeding rates.
A recent Nurturely study investigated the potential link between baby carriers and breastfeeding. We recruited 100 pregnant parents from a low-income home visiting program and randomly assigned them to receive a soft-structured ergonomic carrier at birth or to a waitlist.
The results were encouraging, showing that:
Parents who received the carrier before birth were more likely to breastfeed their infants at six months, both exclusively and partially. While the difference in exclusive breastfeeding was not statistically significant, it suggests a trend worth exploring further.
This study points to the crucial role of physical proximity in promoting breastfeeding. Policies aimed at supporting breastfeeding mothers often focus on providing time and space for pumping, but neglect the importance of continuous physical contact. This study suggests that:
Policies should encourage the use of baby carriers, potentially through subsidies or educational campaigns and workplace policies should prioritize parent-infant closeness, such as offering more paid parental leave and on-site childcare.
Beyond the Milk:
Breastfeeding is a complex interplay of physiology and psychology, and physical contact plays a vital role. By embracing baby carrying and creating environments that support parent-infant closeness, we can foster a more nurturing and supportive environment for breastfeeding. Let’s move beyond simply providing space for pumping and embrace the power of proximity in promoting breastfeeding and creating a more supportive environment for families.