I am finding these posts very interesting because I ALWAYS want to  
swaddle the newborns' hands out of the way during feeds for most of  
the first few weeks. Depending on the baby it may be months. Why???  
Because many of these babies have been thru incredibly stressful  
labors, filled with pitocin, epidurals, vacuum extractions, prolonged  
first and second stages, sometimes to end up with a c-section that  
should have been performed in the first 18 hours, instead of the 24th  
or 30th hour. These babies need their parents and skin to skin  
contact but I find for feedings and sleep periods they respond better  
to the safe feeling of a swaddle. I don't think newborns have a clue  
that those hands flailing around are theirs, only that something is  
hitting them and getting in their way and they wish it would stop.  
Most of these babies have been thru so much there is no way they can  
multi-task with any sort of success. I want to make their experience  
at the breast as pleasant and EASY as possible so they are able to  
have a great latch, start to gain weight, and find their place in  
their new environment. What about these new moms? Isn't it part of  
our jobs to make this as easy as possible? When is enough enough? How  
many moms do you hear say, "Oh, her hands are always in the way"?   
When all is calm and comfy, I am the first one to encourage skin to  
skin contact. A nap on mommy or partners' chest is a great way to  
start. But when the stress level is at a 10.. I say pick your battles  
carefully, as we all know as parents, it is just the first of  
thousands of little battles along the way to adulthood. That does  
come right???
Annie VerSteeg IBCLC
Mom of 2 teenagers:)

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