Mamma Minds Methode

The Mamma Minds Method is not a new or different breastfeeding position. It's about the Small details that provide support, no matter which position you use. I work from starting Stabilised, through Sliding your baby to a (S)Low enough position, Sealing the Gaps and Settling comfortably!

And therefore through Variation: find your own way—I would love to help you discover it.

I rather boldly call this the Mamma Minds Method, but in reality, it's simply about feeding more naturally. Instead of relying on one specific position, you work with the details within BODY (you) – BABY – BREAST. These details can be applied in any breastfeeding position.

Would you like to rely less on nursing pillows and feed in a more relaxed way? Do you feel like you're doing all the work during a feed? That you're feeding your baby, instead of your baby feeding themselves at your breast? Did you know that, with a little assistance from you, a baby is capable of feeding themselves?

I'd love to share my tips with you. Find your own variation—or get in touch, and I'd be happy to take a look together with you!

The first step is all about you: BODY. When you are relaxed, your baby will relax with you.

• Start with a cuddle, holding your baby upright against your chest.
• Position yourself stabilised in whatever way feels comfortable for you—you can sit upright, recline, or lounge. Make yourself comfortable. With this natural way of holding, your hands will usually rest on your baby's upper back and bottom. This feels safe and familiar, creating a natural starting point for feeding without having to overthink it.
• From the very beginning, allow your baby's head to stay free. By supporting the back a little more firmly, this happens naturally. Really!

This next step is all about giving your BABY a stablised position.

• From that cuddle, let your baby slowly slide down along your body until low enough to reach up towards your breast. This sliding stimulates natural feeding instincts, helping them achieve a deeper, more effective latch.
• Let your baby's arms rest gently around your breast. Your baby uses those hands—just like a nursing kitten kneading with its paws. Wrap your arm around your baby so that the arm stays comfortably beside your breast.
• Your baby's legs rest against you in a functional way: bent, tucked up in a stable "little frog" position; like they would be in a baby carrier with their knees drawn up. When your baby feels stabilised, they are better able to feed themselves.
• Support the side of your baby's head with your hand or arm, while providing firm(er) support along the spine all the way to the bottom. There's no need to press or hold the head or to lift babies bottom. Lifting your baby creates upward tension, and that makes feeding more difficult. Really—don't lift the bottom. Gently embracing your baby, however, is always just right.

This step is all about your BREAST (in relation to your BABY).

• Let your baby slide slowly ('Baby tempo') down along your body until low enough to latch upwards onto your breast. This encourages a deeper, wider latch, allowing your baby to take in more of the lower part of the areola than the upper part.
• Just as with the sliding movement, a little movement helps activate your baby's natural feeding instincts. So, gently tease/'wiggle' your nipple along your baby's upper lip, moving from top to bottom. This acts like a magnet, inviting your baby to latch—without ever needing to push their head towards the breast.

This step is all about the connection between your bodies.

• Seal the 'gaps' between you. Aim for full body contact. Tummy to tummy, but especially with your baby's pelvis resting comfortably (opened up a bit) against you so you can really feel that connection. Also your arm closer to your body, or supported with pillows or your leg: close your gaps too!
• Let your baby lean into you, and allow yourself to recline a little if that feels comfortable. Gravity helps to activate your baby's natural feeding instincts. If it feels as though your baby is "sinking" into your body, you're in a great position together.
• You can support this by firmly yet lovingly bringing your baby towards you with your hand placed across the shoulder blades. Your baby will naturally lift their own head to latch, gently extending their upper body. This is also more comfortable swallowing—and often for burping effortlessly.
• If it makes you feel more secure, simply lean back a little more.

Fine-tune it—don't be afraid to make adjustments.

Does it feel Fine? Or not quite yet? Settle yourselves, melt your muscles and encourage trust.

Try supporting or gently lifting your breast from underneath (From Below) and notice the difference. Does it feel better? Or change your position instead. Variation is always welcome!

Feeding can—and should—feel Finer.

If it doesn't, don't hesitate to reach out. We'll take a closer look together and find what works best for you.