Recently, the term “brexting”—which refers to breastfeeding while texting—has been making waves online, sparking discussions about the perceived dangers of multitasking during feeding times. This idea has found its way into parenting forums, where mothers debate the implications of checking social media or responding to emails while nursing.
The Concerns of Health Professionals
As noted in a recent segment on Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), some health professionals are now raising alarms about this practice, citing research that emphasizes the importance of bonding during feeds. Dr. Emily Rivera, a maternal health psychologist, expressed concern that “distracted mothers”—a trendy term for those who dare to glance at their phones—might miss essential cues from their babies, such as signs of hunger or proper latch.
Dr. Rivera elaborates, stating that if infants try to connect with their mothers through noises or smiles and are met with indifference, they may develop insecure or anxious attachments over time. This could lead to heightened behaviors as babies strive to gain their mother’s attention.
The Reality of New Moms
Imagine a new mom in those exhausting early weeks, still adjusting to the demands of a newborn. She might turn to her Facebook group for support or take a quick scroll through Instagram to relieve stress. Perhaps she even plays a game to stay awake during those frequent nighttime feedings. But here come the self-appointed brexting enforcers, ready to declare that she’s undermining her baby’s ability to trust her responsiveness. Nurses in hospitals are even stepping in to counsel new mothers on their phone use, suggesting it could hinder the bonding experience. Really? If someone came to my hospital room to lecture me about my phone, I wouldn’t hesitate to give them a piece of my mind.
A Call for Understanding
Here’s a revolutionary thought: let’s stop inventing new ways to make moms feel guilty for being human. Yes, feeding is a critical time, but it also happens every few hours, and mothers have lives to manage. Instead of focusing on how Candy Crush might harm infant bonding, perhaps we should investigate the pressures of parenting in a world where everyone claims to know what you’re doing wrong. I suspect the findings would be quite alarming.
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Conclusion
In summary, the shaming of mothers for using their phones while breastfeeding is an example of concern-trolling that only adds to the pressures of parenting. Moms should be supported in their efforts to balance feeding with their own needs, rather than being made to feel guilty for seeking a moment of distraction.