National Breastfeeding Awareness Month is celebrated in August to promote education on the many benefits of breastfeeding, reduce barriers, and highlight the need for greater encouragement and support. There are many strategies that moms can use to boost their milk supply and improve their breastfeeding experience, such as frequently nursing or pumping, regular skin-to-skin contact, and babywearing. That's right—babywearing! We spoke to Caitlin Elias, IBCLC and founder of Brightstartbaby, about how babywearing can support moms on their breastfeeding journey.
“Wearing your baby not only makes life easier for moms, but also keeps babies extremely comfortable, allowing them to feel secure, safe and cozy. It’s the closest thing to a womb since they were in the womb. As moms wear their babies, they are able to learn their hunger cues while they are snuggled up close, and they can respond to their babies quickly. It also promotes skin-to-skin contact, which can increase the release of oxytocin for both mother and baby. More oxytocin allows for moms to experience less hormonal dips postpartum AND promotes a healthy milk supply.”
Caitlin highly recommends babywearing because of the tremendous impact it can have on breastfeeding, specifically milk supply.
“If a mom doesn’t already have a baby wrap or carrier, I recommend getting one. They are game changers. If a mom is struggling with low milk supply, I’ll encourage her to wrap her baby without her top on and with her baby in just a diaper. More skin-to-skin, more oxytocin, and more milk. Babywearing is also a great way to nurse in public when done so correctly. This can promote more confidence for mom as it allows for extra privacy.”
Breastfeeding perks are far from the only benefits of babywearing. Dads, partners, and non-breastfeeding parents benefit from babywearing as well because it boosts the release of oxytocin, making baby and dad feel more relaxed, joyful, and connected. It also gives dad the opportunity to cuddle with his baby without being tied to a couch or chair, so dad can go for a walk, get chores done around the house, or play with other children.
“I also encourage dads or partners to learn babywearing as it can promote bonding for the other parent and allow some ‘me time’ for mom. Oxytocin is great for fathers, too!”
In addition to her important work as an IBCLC, Caitlin is busy raising her own three children. She has learned first-hand the positive impact of babywearing when it comes to convenience and confidence.
“I wore all three of my babies.Once I learned the art of babywearing and felt comfortable with it, I felt more confident and free to go out for walks and run errands with my baby. All three of my children were born during cold/flu/covid season, and wearing my babies kept them close, facing me, and in avoidance of extra germs when out in public. I also felt like I was able to be more engaged and attentive at parks and playgrounds with my other children because I wasn’t tied to the baby stroller.”
Caitlin is also very familiar with the ways in which babywearing has played a role in her positive breastfeeding experiences.
“Baby wearing allowed me to watch my babies’ cues and nurse them quickly, which satisfied them. I was able to just plop down, loosen the wrap, and make them happy! Not only did that help with milk supply, but nursing in a different position- more laid back- while baby wearing, allowed for my kids to all be comfortable in multiple nursing positions, instead of just one.”
More about Caitlin:
Caitlin is committed to empowering breastfeeding families. She has been an IBCLC for 6 years, but working in the women's health space in multiple capacities for 15 years. Caitlin has worked in a free standing birthing center as postpartum director and parent educator, as well as creating a robust Maternity Program for a fortune 500 company. She has helped hundreds of new mothers and their families with lactation and postpartum support in her years of service.
As a mother of three, Caitlin has personally conquered her own breastfeeding challenges and unique paths with each baby. Her first-hand experience has allowed her to gain a deep understanding of the obstacles that families may encounter along their postpartum and breastfeeding journeys. Caitlin recognizes that each goal and unique experience is influenced by numerous factors. She acknowledges the significance of mental health, policies, unrealistic expectations and other barriers shaping and affecting the breastfeeding and postpartum experience. Caitlin resides in the Kansas City area and is available for in person and virtual visits.
Looking for postpartum support? You can email Caitlin or check out her website or social media:Caitlin@brightstartbaby.com @brightstartbaby