A breastfeeding nest, what is it?
A breastfeeding nest is a place that a mother has created to feed her baby. The purpose of a breastfeeding nest is to support the mother's physical comfort, mental well-being and contact with her baby. A pleasant place could be set up anywhere where the mother feels happy. Where the mother feels cared for, the baby also feels safe.
La Leche League International encourages mothers to think of a nursing nest as a safe haven – a place where a mother can calm down, recover, and experience closeness with her baby while breastfeeding. It is recommended that such a place be created in several places in the home, such as the bedroom and living room.
What to put in a nursing nest?
1. A comfortable place to sit
A supportive armchair, sofa or bed – it is important to have a good back support and a seat wide enough to support the arms or use pillows. Before each breastfeeding, the mother should ask herself: “Am I comfortable?”
2. Cushions and support
The nursing area should include a nursing pillow or regular pillows to support the baby in the correct position and reduce tension in the mother's arms and shoulders. The baby should be at a height in relation to the breast that makes it comfortable to latch on to the breast and the mother does not have to bend over to feed the baby.
3. A basket with supplies:
- Water bottle – as the mother's fluid needs increase during breastfeeding, water bottles should be placed in several places at home. Please ask someone to fill them with clean water every morning.
- Snacks (protein-rich or energy-giving, e.g. nuts, dried fruit, energy balls, granola bars)
- Cloths for cleaning baby’s mouth
- Necessities: nipple covers, nipple cream, breast pads, breast milk collectors, wet wipes, breast pump
4. Good lighting
Soft, dim light to avoid disturbing the baby. It is recommended to use warm-toned lights, such as a salt lamp.
5. Silence and privacy
Place the nest in a quiet corner, away from the TV and busiest area.
6. Well-being and emotional support
- Warm blankets, a photo of your baby, a soft rug, soothing music or a white noise machine. If you want to make the nursing area smell good, dried lavender, lavender hydrolate or a drop of essential oil on a cotton pad far from the baby could be options. Babies are very sensitive to smells, so scents should always be used with extreme caution and in minimal amounts.
- A book, a magazine, headphones to listen to a podcast, a notebook to write down thoughts – while it is best to maintain eye contact with your baby while breastfeeding and not engage in extraneous activities, there are mothers who are very supported by certain extraneous activities and babies who are very understanding of them. These things can also be helpful if the baby is falling asleep on the breast or next to the mother and the mother does not want or is unable to leave the baby.
7. Activity for an older child
If there is an older child, a separate basket for them with toys, drinks and snacks.
The purpose of a breastfeeding nest is to support mother and baby
As a lactation consultant, I often see mothers who have prepared everything they need for their baby, but have neglected their own needs. However, the well-being of the baby is closely linked to the well-being of the mother. So stock up on at least a few bottles of water and energy-rich snacks that are easy to eat between your fingers, and take them to your nest at the first moment available.
A nursing nest doesn't have to look like a Pinterest photo or a magazine cover. Let it look like you! My ideal nursing nest would look like a tree bed in a fairy forest.
Do you want me to come adjust your pillows, make snacks, and offer advice and support on breastfeeding? Please contact: Doula Daisi
