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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

What 'activities' do you do when you're breastfeeding

21 replies

tertle · 13/05/2014 12:33

I was talking to my MIL on the phone the other day when DD (8 weeks) started grizzling so I started feeding her. MIL commented that DD probably wouldn't like me talking on the phone as I should be 100% concentrated on her when feeding her.

DD feeds quite often so I often find myself doing stuff when I'm feeding her; listening to the radio, watching TV, texting, reading mumsnet etc. My MIL has got me feeling a bit guilty though! Am I going to regret not being fully 100% concentrated on DD? What do you do when you're feeding?

OP posts:
TheScience · 13/05/2014 12:35

Watch TV, mumsnet, talk to friends, eat, play with/read to DS1. Anything I can do sitting down.

enormouse · 13/05/2014 12:43

Everything science has said. Reading on the kindle, internet browsing, toddler entertaining.

I've even taken him into college on the odd unavoidable occasion and have done coursework and referencing an essay whilst feeding him.

I honestly don't think you need to feel guilty about not 100% focusing on her. DS2 can feed for up to 20 -30 minutes. He is adorable and sweet but I would go loopy if I stared at him for that long, 6-8 times a day.

worldgonecrazy · 13/05/2014 12:50

I don't feed anymore, but did everything except driving. I went shopping, on the computer, watched TV, chatted to people on the phone, ate, drank, walked . . .

Original poster
tertle · 13/05/2014 12:50

Ok phew thanks! I'm glad I'm not the only one. Bloody MIL, trust her to suggest that when BFing one can't do anything but stare adoringly at the baby... Grin

OP posts:
gurningpug · 13/05/2014 12:52

watch tv. talk to people.

nothing with my hands because feeding DS is like trying to feed a wild animal, I need both hands to wrestle with him!

MinesAPintOfTea · 13/05/2014 12:58

MN. I rarely bf without my phone and ds (bfing now) turns two this week and gets my phone for me when he wants some milk

leedy · 13/05/2014 13:12

Yup, like everyone else, I read stuff on the internet, or my phone, or my Kindle, or chatted to other people if there was anyone else around, or with DS2 tried to entertain his older brother, or watched TV. Especially when both mine were tiny babies they often closed their eyes when they were feeding, what was I supposed to do, stare at them maniacally until they opened them? Also it was often the only time I had to take a break for myself!

NickyEds · 13/05/2014 14:12

mn, watch huge amounts of tv, talk on the phone, internet shopping. I have, to my eternal shame, looked down to see my baby covered in cake/croissant/biscuit crumbsBlush

mangofizz · 13/05/2014 15:34

haha Nicky i've done that too. I was shamed into changing my baby when I saw he had a bit of foundation on his shoulder, some mascara and a bit of curry sauce. BAD MUMMY.

Original poster
tertle · 13/05/2014 20:35

Haha yes I have too been known to look away from my phone and see chocolate smudges on DD's babygro!

OP posts:
cheminotte · 13/05/2014 20:39

I once took ds1 to the toilet and helped him onto seat with ds2 still attached!
Have also made cakes and was glad I could crack an egg one-handed.

weebairn · 13/05/2014 21:06

I read hundreds of novels on mat leave. It was great.

TheDudess · 13/05/2014 21:11

Shitting hell, what else are we supppsed to be doing? Gazing at them the whole time??? I MN mostly (feeding right now), browse intent, chat with whoever is in the room, watch tv, listen to radio etc.

I once managed to bf whilst doing the weekly shop in tesco. That was hard work and got some odd looks but it was easier to feed her than to hear her scream all the way round. No sling either.

goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 13/05/2014 21:12

My DS doesn't like it if I look at him whilst feeding him. The cheeky beggar moves my face away if I dare gaze upon his face. Charming.

Keepthechangeyoufilthyanimal · 13/05/2014 21:47

Not BF yet as DC1 not due until July but just wanted to say I have bought an iPad mini especially in preparation for something to do whilst BF! Grin ( after many recommendations on MN of a tablet being a great item to have while BF!)

poocatcherchampion · 13/05/2014 21:49

I rarely look at them. It stops them in their tracks. This week I've done emails, web design, sat with dd1 while she poops, read, mn, and a lot of chat.

proseccoco · 13/05/2014 21:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Romily · 13/05/2014 22:15

I did like a bit of baby watching however he often fell asleep so I would read, watch TV, crochet, look on the internet, text, eat etc As others have said whatever I could get away with including buying a tent in a camping shop.

Original poster
tertle · 13/05/2014 22:15

Wow now I'm feeling like I should be more productive. Will try cake baking tomorrow!

OP posts:
onestepbeyond · 13/05/2014 22:24

I watch tele / read / mn. If dd2 (14 wks) catches me looking at her she always comes off the breast and gives me a huge smile which while gorgeous is rather counterproductive!!

PastaandCheese · 14/05/2014 07:28

Ha ha ha. It's a massive benefit of breastfeeding that you can do something else at the same time.

Ocado shop, eat lunch, entertain toddler, mumsnet, read, email etc

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