Pay close attention to nipple and breast sensation while breastfeeding
The gestalt method of fit and hold is only one part of the Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) or Possums breastfeeding programs (under development as Breastfeeding stripped bare), but an important place to start. This version of the gestalt method of fit and hold for breastfeeding women has been available since 2016. I'm hoping that Breastfeeding stripped bare, the comprehensive NDC approach to breastfeeding and lactation, will be publicly available by the end of 2024. Key elements of the NDC breastfeeding work are also found in The discontented little baby book, and in my research publications, starting here.
Relax back without trying to look down once the baby is on, and begin to notice all the sensations of your baby snuggled up and drinking. This noticing of the present moment is often referred to as 'mindfulness', and is an important part of the gestalt approach to breastfeeding.
Actually, if you try to look down too much you might get neck and shoulder pain, or headaches. It's best to let your bodily closeness speak in the absence of eye contact during the feeds.
It is usually not possible to make eye contact with your baby when breastfeeding. Whilst eye contact is important for baby's brain and for the development of your loving relationship, there is no reason to worry because you can't eye contact when your baby when she's breastfeeding well. There are many other occasions throughout the day in which to enjoy eye contact and interaction with your baby.
There is a great deal of enjoyment and physical closeness associated with easy, effective breastfeeding. The baby is connecting with you in other very sensory ways, as every cell of his or her little body relaxes into you and drinks from your body.
Breastfeeding is a time when your bodies are speaking to each other: caresses, snuggles, and speaking or murmuring to your baby all connect him or her to you during the breastfeed.
Relax back and notice all the sensations.
Selected references
Douglas PS, Keogh R. Gestalt breastfeeding: helping mothers and infants optimise positional stability and intra-oral breast tissue volume for effective, pain-free milk transfer. Journal of Human Lactation. 2017;33(3):509–518.
Douglas PS, Geddes DB. Practice-based interpretation of ultrasound studies leads the way to less pharmaceutical and surgical intervention for breastfeeding babies and more effective clinical support. Midwifery. 2018;58:145–155.
Douglas PS, Perrella SL, Geddes DT. A brief gestalt intervention changes ultrasound measures of tongue movement during breastfeeding: case series. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2022;22(1):94. DOI: 10.1186/s12884-12021-04363-12887.
