Not long ago, nursing mothers faced criticism for being “distracted” by their phones while breastfeeding—coined as “brexting,” a term that many find off-putting. Critics claimed that mothers were losing vital bonding moments with their babies due to phone distractions, warning that they might overlook feeding cues.
As a nursing mother and a lactation consultant, I strongly disagree with these assertions. Breastfeeding is a significant commitment that can be challenging, especially for new moms. In my experience, new mothers often spend at least a quarter of their day nursing. Are we really saying that if they take a moment to text or check messages, they are missing out on precious bonding time? I find that hard to believe. While there may be a few extreme cases of mothers glued to their phones during every nursing session, the reality for most is that we spend just as much time cherishing our babies, enjoying their sweet scents, and marveling at their beauty.
Mothers, especially breastfeeding ones, don’t need additional guilt heaped upon them. Let’s be honest: nursing can become monotonous, and it’s natural to feel restless after spending hours feeding. A little distraction can actually be beneficial. Plus, many of us have tasks to complete. What better opportunity to catch up on emails or messages than during those long nursing sessions?
If mothers are led to believe that breastfeeding should be a purely sacred experience at every moment, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy. The truth is, breastfeeding should seamlessly fit into the chaos of parenting. It’s a normal part of life—not an isolated event reserved for perfect bonding moments. Those delightful moments often arise organically, but breastfeeding is meant to coexist with the hectic nature of parenthood.
I’ve multi-tasked while nursing more than I can count, especially once I had more than one child. Here are some real-life scenarios that capture what it’s like for busy moms like myself:
- I’ve nursed while attending to personal needs, like using the bathroom, or helping my other child.
- I’ve breastfed while cleaning up messes, wiping noses, and managing various household chores.
- I’ve even nursed while engaging in activities like mini-golf, grocery shopping, or waiting in line at amusement parks with my baby snug in a carrier.
- I’ve managed nursing during baths, applying makeup, cooking, and even in the car while waiting to pick up my older child.
I’m not sharing these anecdotes to seek sympathy or praise; I want to emphasize that breastfeeding is meant to be a flexible part of our daily lives. It’s not about achieving perfection but rather making breastfeeding work within the framework of our realities. For new moms: you will become more adept at juggling these demands over time.
So, the next time someone criticizes how women breastfeed—believe me, it will happen—remember this: breastfeeding isn’t about achieving a flawless experience. It’s about navigating motherhood with the tools you have. It’s about your choices, your life, your body, and your baby. Anyone who tries to impose their views on how you should breastfeed should take a step back.
For those interested in further exploring parenting topics, check out this guide on home insemination kits, which covers essential information for aspiring parents. Also, if you’re looking for ways to support your well-being during pregnancy, this restorative prenatal yoga stretch can be a wonderful addition to your routine. For a week-by-week breakdown of pregnancy, March of Dimes offers excellent resources.
In summary, it’s perfectly acceptable to text and engage in other activities while breastfeeding. The act of nursing should blend into the everyday chaos of parenting rather than stand apart as a rigid, guilt-inducing ritual. Embrace the fluidity of motherhood.