What does Tummy Time have to do with Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is an important aspect of a baby's early development, offering numerous benefits for their growth, immune system, and bonding with their mother. Whilst this is a very personal choice of the mother, it is an unintentional biological expectation of a newborn. However, establishing successful breastfeeding can sometimes be a challenge for newborns for such a vast variety of reasons. This is where the practice of tummy time comes into play….
Tummy time, a simple yet powerful exercise, not only promotes overall development but also significantly contributes to a baby's ability to breastfeed effectively.
Let’s explore the importance of tummy time and its influence on improving breastfeeding outcomes:
Encouraging Muscular Development:
Tummy time refers to the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. This simple activity allows babies to develop their head, neck, and core muscles, promoting overall muscular strength and coordination (1). The strong neck and core muscles developed through tummy time help babies to maintain a good latch and proper positioning during breastfeeding, leading to more effective milk transfer (2).
Enhancing Oral Motor Skills:
During tummy time, babies engage in various movements, such as lifting their head, pushing up with their arms, and exploring their surroundings. These movements not only strengthen their neck and upper body muscles but also promote the development of oral motor skills (3). Effective breastfeeding requires coordinated movements of the tongue, jaw, and facial muscles. Regular tummy time can enhance these oral motor skills, leading to improved sucking, swallowing, and breathing coordination during breastfeeding (4).
Preventing Plagiocephaly and Torticollis:
Tummy time plays a crucial role in preventing conditions such as plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and torticollis (tightening of neck muscles) (5). These conditions can affect a baby's ability to turn their head and may lead to difficulties during breastfeeding. By providing regular tummy time, caregivers can help babies develop better neck mobility, allowing them to achieve more comfortable breastfeeding positions and enabling effective milk transfer (5).
Strengthening the Bonding Experience:
Breastfeeding is not only a source of nourishment but also a bonding experience between mother and baby. Tummy time, when practiced with a caregiver's active involvement, can further enhance this bonding process. Eye contact, gentle touch, and interactive play during tummy time promote emotional connection and trust, leading to a more relaxed and contented baby (4).
Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges:
For some babies, breastfeeding may present challenges, such as a weak latch, poor milk transfer, or feeding aversion. Tummy time can be a valuable tool in addressing these issues. The increased strength, muscle tone, and oral motor skills developed during tummy time can help babies overcome breastfeeding difficulties, leading to improved feeding efficiency and a more satisfying breastfeeding experience (5).
Tummy time is a simple yet powerful practice that offers numerous benefits to babies, including enhancing their ability to breastfeed effectively. By incorporating tummy time into a baby's daily routine, we can support babies overall development and help facilitate a more enjoyable and fulfilling breastfeeding journey.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Back to sleep, tummy to play. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx
McGraw, M., & Sellers, J. (2020). Tummy Time: Best Practices and Implementation for Infants. Pediatric Nursing, 46(6), 302-308.
Rempel, G. R., et al. (2020). What are effective strategies for the implementation of tummy time into everyday care for infants? A systematic scoping review. BMC Pediatrics, 20(1), 202. doi:10.1186/s12887-020-02088-9
Stifter, C. A., & Spinrad, T. L. (2020). The role of motor abilities in infant development. Infant Behavior and Development, 61, 101515. doi:10.1016/j.infbeh.2020.101515
World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010830