A few months ago, nursing mothers faced criticism for being too glued to their phones during breastfeeding sessions, a phenomenon some are dubbing “brexting.” Critics argue that moms who text while nursing miss crucial bonding moments with their babies, and they even claim that this distraction could lead to missing important feeding cues. As both a lactation consultant and a mother who has navigated breastfeeding, I strongly disagree with this perspective.
Breastfeeding is a significant commitment and can often be challenging. In fact, many new moms spend a substantial portion of their day nursing—often around 25% of their waking hours. So, are we really suggesting that if a mother spends some of that time texting, she’s neglecting her child? I find that hard to believe. While there may be outliers who are on their phones constantly, most mothers are in fact gazing lovingly at their babies, enjoying those fleeting moments, and yes, perhaps also glancing at their phones now and then.
Let’s be honest: breastfeeding can sometimes feel monotonous, leading moms to seek distractions. This is entirely normal. Why not use that time to catch up on texts or respond to emails? It’s practical and helps manage daily tasks during those long hours of nursing.
Mothers should not feel additional guilt about how they choose to spend their time while nursing. The idea that breastfeeding must be a sacred, uninterrupted experience is unrealistic. Life is chaotic, and breastfeeding should be integrated into that reality, not relegated to a special, pristine time set aside for bonding. Those beautiful moments will come naturally, even amidst the routine chaos of parenthood.
Personally, I have breastfed while doing a myriad of things that reflect the busy life of a parent. For example, I’ve nursed while helping my older child in the bathroom, cleaning up messes, or even preparing meals, always ensuring safety, of course. I’ve also managed to nurse while engaging in various activities like grocery shopping or baking cookies.
I’m sharing these anecdotes not to portray myself as a supermom but to emphasize that breastfeeding is meant to fit into the flow of everyday life. For new mothers, rest assured that you will adapt and find your rhythm in multitasking while nursing.
So, the next time someone criticizes how you breastfeed, remember that it’s not about striving for perfection. It’s about making breastfeeding work for you and your lifestyle. Your choices matter, and no one should dictate how you balance nursing with your daily life.
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In summary, it’s perfectly acceptable to text and multitask while nursing. Embrace the chaos of motherhood and make breastfeeding a seamless part of your daily life, free from guilt.