I’ve already shared my early breastfeeding journey, my challenges, and the enjoyable positive side. Since it is World Breastfeeding Awareness Week I thought I’d talk some more about the topic. The breastfeeding act usually takes place while sitting or reclining, and doesn’t allow for much multitasking of active to-do list items. However, there are still things one can do while breastfeeding. Here are some of the multi-tasking I’ve done while breastfeeding Baby H.
Things you can do while breastfeeding.
Eat. When Baby H was little and not so squirmy, I was able to nurse him cradle style in my lap and eat over him. Sometimes I even set my plate right on top of him, like I used to do on my giant belly.
Watch TV. Watching TV is a passive activity, so you can focus on your baby and catch up on some shows at the same time. Especially during the early weeks when it feels like you’re always feeding.
Read a book. While the baby isn’t very wiggly, you typically have one hand free. You can read a book on an e-reader or your phone even. I found reading a physical book difficult since it required both hands to turn pages while holding the book.
Call your mama! (Or other family or friends.) Hey, you’re already sitting for a while being a mom, why not call your own mom and see how she’s doing? You know you don’t call her enough. Or catch up with a friend who you don’t get to hang out with as often anymore.
Social media. You know that’s most of what you do on your mobile phone anyway.
Blogging. The WordPress app is pretty good for drafting posts and if you’re good at typing one-handed on your phone, breastfeeding is a good time to get some ideas out. That’s also a good time to reply to comments on your blog and comment on other blogs.
What other tasks do you perform while breastfeeding?
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Tori says
I did not even think to download the WordPress app! Duh. Doing that STATES thx Julie!
Julie says
I go back and forth on whether I prefer the mobile browser WP login or the app heh.
Adventures of a Novice Mum says
O yes; so much food have been eaten over my bubba – more and more difficult as they grow though. I remember doing stuff around the kitchen, a few times, whilst feeding when wearing him. I’ve also fed, whilst babywearing, and walked and followed lectures at conferences. When you think about it, there’s quite a fair bit you can whilst breastfeeding 🙂
Julie says
I haven’t been able to perfect the nursing and babywearing thing, so that’s so awesome that you were able to do that and at lectures/conferences too! Great work mama!
Alison says
I sometimes use the laptop when breastfeeding, but it can get a little annoying when a little hand starts reaching up and messing around with the buttons. Especially the off button.
When my daughter was born, I got through a lot of audiobooks in the early days. Handy as you don’t even need to turn the light on. #breastfeedingandI
Julie says
Those tiny hands can reach around and grab anything so quickly! Food bowls, cell phones, whatever is nearby. Audiobooks are a good idea during nursing time!
Harps says
Ah in the short time I was able to breastfeed I used to mainly text and catch up with buddies or social media! I hadn’t started blogging at that time but that would’ve been a great use of that time! Thanks for linking up to #babybrainmonday xx
Julie says
Social media or chatting/texting friends is a very good use of time, especially since it can be done in small bursts 🙂
Rebecca says
This is another reason I miss breastfeeding – it was the perfect time to relax with a book. There were no worries about getting other chores done, because feeding baby was the most important job! 🙂 x
Julie says
Yea, it is time you are perfectly A-OK to just sit down and relax. I’ll miss that when we wean.
Zeyna - Mummy On My MInd says
I can totally relate to all of these! Especially blogging on my wordpress app! #babybrainmondays
Julie says
It is a useful app, huh? 🙂
Becky, Cuddle Fairy says
Yup to them all. I wasn’t blogging when I was breastfeeding, but I definitely would have done that too! My first born was breastfeed pre smart phones so it was just TV & eating lol I remember when they’d get to be a few months old & realize I was eating something then stop feeding themselves to see – that was the end of my snack time! #BabyBrainMonday x
Julie says
Yea, all of a sudden a little hand reaches up and grabs something off your plate and you’re like what just happened? LOL 🙂 Thanks Becky 🙂
Nikki Sian says
I unfortunately didn’t breastfeed for very long after the birth of my daughter, but I found I did do all of them whilst breastfeeding! I’d also say fighting to stay awake during night feeds haha! #babybrainmonday x
Julie says
Oh yea, the fighting to stay awake is a serious thing heh. It got better when the baby started rolling and pushing up so I could lie down next to him and not worry I’d smother him if I fell asleep nursing. Those first few months were a hard transition to fighting to stay awake.
Katie @thebrooksielife says
These are all great things to do while breastfeeding. I’ve heard of people breastfeeding in carriers so the activities are unlimited :). I have never been able to master that though!
Julie says
Yea me neither, but it looks cool when others do it. I’m not that great at baby wearing.
Braine says
It’s been 19 years since I last breastfed… Hmmm… I think I would watch TV while breastfeeding. Although the ones you mentioned are on point. Not sure about the Mama call for me though, that can get intense… lol
Julie says
Lol yea calling mom can be intense I agree.