A few months ago, breastfeeding moms faced criticism for being on their phones too much while nursing—coining the cringe-worthy term “brexting.” The critics argue that mothers become so distracted by their devices that they miss out on vital bonding moments with their babies. Some even warn that these distractions can lead to missed feeding cues from little ones.
As a breastfeeding mom and lactation consultant, I strongly disagree with this perspective. Let’s be honest: breastfeeding is a significant commitment that can be quite challenging, especially at the beginning. Most new mothers spend a considerable portion of their day nursing—often around a fourth of it! So, if a mom chooses to text during a few of those hours, is she really missing out on bonding? I think not. Sure, there might be some extreme cases where a mom is glued to her phone the entire time, but the reality is that most of us are also smiling at our babies, breathing in their sweet scent, and feeling overwhelmed with love (and sometimes fatigue).
Moms already deal with enough guilt; they certainly don’t need extra pressure over how they choose to spend their nursing time. Let’s face it—nursing can become monotonous, and feeling restless during those long sessions is entirely normal. A little distraction can provide much-needed relief. Plus, many of us have tasks that need attention. What better way to tackle a few messages or emails than while nursing our babies?
If we perpetuate the idea that breastfeeding must be solely about those idyllic, perfect moments, it only sets moms up for feelings of inadequacy. Breastfeeding should seamlessly integrate into our busy lives, not be something we schedule for special bonding time. Those beautiful, spontaneous moments happen naturally, but breastfeeding is meant to be a part of the everyday chaos of parenthood.
In my experience, I’ve multitasked while nursing more than I can count. Here are just a few of the things I’ve done:
- I’ve nursed while using the bathroom—both for myself and to help my other child.
- I’ve breastfed while tending to various household duties, like cleaning up messes and even scrubbing crayon marks off the walls.
- I’ve popped my baby into a carrier and nursed while grocery shopping, playing mini-golf, or waiting in line at an amusement park.
- I’ve managed to nurse during baths, while getting dressed, baking cookies, and even while in the car waiting to pick up my kid from school.
- I’ve welcomed delivery people at the door with a baby nursing on my lap, and yes, I’ve even nursed during medical appointments!
I share these anecdotes not to paint myself as a martyr, but to emphasize that breastfeeding should be a fluid part of our lives. If it weren’t, I genuinely don’t know how we would manage! For new moms reading this, just know that you’ll become more adept at multitasking while nursing over time.
So, the next time someone critiques how a mother breastfeeds, just remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about finding ways to make breastfeeding work in your life without losing your sanity. It’s about your choices, your body, and your baby. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise can just step back.
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Summary
In conclusion, it’s completely acceptable for breastfeeding moms to text or multitask while nursing. The belief that doing so detracts from bonding is misguided—breastfeeding is a significant commitment that should fit seamlessly into everyday life. Instead of feeling guilty, mothers should embrace the reality of multitasking and recognize that beautiful moments will come naturally amid the chaos.