The gestalt method: high level overview of the four steps

Dr Pamela Douglas23rd of Nov 202420th of Dec 2025

Step 1. Biomechanics

Intra-oral vacuum
Symmetrical face-breast bury
Intra-oral breast tissue volume
Landing pad (description)
Breast tissue drag

Step 2. The woman prepares

Deck-chair position
Landing pad (encroachments)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies
When out and about

Step 3. Switching on baby's mammalian reflexes

Chest and tummy
Hands
Lower half of face
Initial face bury above nipple-areolar complex

Step 4. Micro-movements

Three directions
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Forearm roll
Breast and nipple sensation
- 0-10 scale
Baby's cues
Three views
- Lateral face-breast bury
- Front alignment of baby's spine
- From above face-breast bury
Three phone photos

Finished

Next up in Deep dive into the gestalt method of fit and hold

Differences between the gestalt method of fit and hold and biological nurturing or laid-back breastfeeding

Gestalt method	Biological Nurturing or laid-back breastfeeding
Maternal education of gestalt biomechanics of infant suck-swallow (based on ultrasound studies, peer-reviewed and published) using knitted breast aid	Not based upon a biomechanical model of infant suck-swallow-breath
Semi-reclined to activate mammalian reflexes	Semi-reclined to activate mammalian reflexes
Start with baby's face planted into upper breast above nipple and areolar in order to activate mammalian reflexes	Start with baby's face skin-to-skin between breasts on chest in order to activate mammalian reflexes, requires mother to remove her clothing and significantly time intensive
Avoid shaping breast with hand to prevent breast tissue drag	Avoid shaping…Keep reading Possums in your inbox Evidence-based insights, tips, and tools. Occasional updates. Email For parents parents home browse all programs find answers now programs in audio group sessions with dr pam For professionals possums for professionals (the ndc institute)guest speakers About the science behind possums/ndc who we are ndc research publications dr pam’s books More resources free resources dr pam’s blog Clinical consultation consult with dr pam find a possums clinic find an ndc accredited practitioner Help & support contact us faq our social enterprise privacy policy terms & conditions Social instagram linked in facebook Possums acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands upon which The Possums Programs have been created, the Yuggera and Turrbal Peoples. We acknowledge that First Nations have breastfed, slept with, and lovingly raised their children on Australian lands for at least 65,000 years, to become the oldest continuous living culture on Earth. Possums stands with the Uluru Statement from the Heart.