An infant has instincts that pull him to the breast. Occasionally when there are severe latch-on problems a technique called, rebirthing, can help with the process. Heather Harris, a midwife from Melbourne, Australia has used this procedure quite successfully (465-468). This is a totally non-invasive way to help mother and baby relax with one another and "reconnect" as they should have immediately following birth. Explain the object of this procedure to the mother trying to see if the skin to skin contact will stimulate the baby's natural instincts to find the breast and latch on. There is never any pressure from the nurse, mother or on the baby to latch-on. If he does latch-on, fine. If he doesn't latch-on, assure the mother you will try again later.
In the early postpartum period when baby is not latching-on well, skin to skin contact can be beneficial to latch-on.

• Undress the baby (leave only the diaper on)
• Have the mother remove all clothing above the waist
• Baby is placed on mother's bare chest
• The nurse should then step back and watch the process. Do not interfere unless the infant is in danger of falling, has respiratory problems etc.

Harris' rebirthing process is done in a warm bath tub.

• Fill the tub with warm (not hot) water. This should be WARM, not tepid bath, so both mother and baby are comfortable.
• Have the mother undress and enter the tub.
• The support person then places the naked baby in the water (Don't worry about the cord. This is done in Australian IN HOSPITAL at day 1 and 2 with no infection problems).
• The baby should be well supported and gently submerged up to his shoulders. Allow the infant to gently float in the water for about a minute.
• Place baby nude on the mother's belly.
• Bring water from the tub onto baby's back every few minutes to keep him warm.
• Let the baby crawl his way up to mother's breast.

It is very important that the mother and baby not be left alone during this process. The baby could drown. Mother's should be warned not to try this on their own. There MUST be an extra person present who is in charge of the infant's safety.

Copyright Marie Davis, RN, IBCLC 1999 
revised Wed, Nov 8, 2006

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