Breastfeeding is a great time to bond with your child. For some of us, just staring down at your baby can get a little dull (believe it or not, new Mama, you will get to that point!). Here’s a comprehensive list of things to do while you’re breastfeeding. Some are silly, some are deep. All are doable.
Intellectual Things to Do While You’re Breastfeeding Learn a New LanguageThere are many different apps available for your phone that allow you to learn a new language. Duolingo is one of the top-rated apps and it is fantastic! These apps are usually free or cost very little. If you don’t want to download an app, there are lots of YouTube videos that cover this subject!
Read a Book
When I was breastfeeding, my Kindle was my best friend. Reading is a great way to pass the time because you can get a book about virtually any subject. Budgeting Mama’s will be happy to know that most libraries offer eBooks now! I’d recommend making a reading list/challenge for yourself so you can intentionally use this time. Modern Mrs Darcy has a great reading challenge out each year..with recommendations! Can’t focus on reading? Then...
Listen to an Audio-book
If you can’t focus on reading a physical book, listening to a book is a great way to still get the same effect. Like I mentioned above, your local library most likely has a resource to download audio-books. If not, websites like Audible have every audio-book imaginable. If you’re on the fence about audio- books, give it a try! Fiction books especially can come to life with the right narrator.
Creative Things to Do While You’re Breastfeeding
Learn to Cook
This sounds more dangerous than it actually is. I’m definitely NOT advocating that you try cooking while feeding your baby. I am saying, however, that you can learn a new cooking skill while nursing. Like I suggested above, YouTube has great videos about this, you can read a book or magazine about cooking, or you can even do an online class from your phone.
Knit or Crochet
This is one of the most popular things women choose to do while nursing because once you get the main steps down, knitting or crocheting allows you to create something beautiful while still staying focused on your child. Plus, once you’ve got the basic instructions down it can be pretty mindless, so you’re able to relax.
Write or Draw
You might not be able to finish writing a novel, but you can definitely get to work on those thank you notes you’ve been putting off. Use this time to catch up with an old friend via snail mail or even email. You could also use this time to colour in an adult colouring book or draw. You never know what hidden talent you might unearth!
Pray or Meditate
If you’re religious, praying can be a great way to get a load off your mind. Meditation is also an easy way to calm your mind. There are quite a few meditation apps on your phone, most of which play relaxing music and some of which have guided meditations. Most of these apps are free or inexpensive.
Just for Fun Things to Do While Breastfeeding
Call a Loved One
Use this time to catch up with a loved one! A phone call to your Mom, Grandma or old best friend can do wonders in lifting your spirits. I like to call someone who can give me some insight into my current season of motherhood. Just make sure the phone call is a quiet one!
Binge Watch a Show
Thanks to Amazon Prime and Netflix, it’s easy to binge-watch any show you wish. This is a great way to relax and pass time, especially if you’re having trouble getting your baby to nurse. My personal favourite? Grey’s Anatomy.
Absolutely Nothing
Many women use nursing as a time to remind them to put their feet up and relax. This is perfectly fine too! Breastfeeding is a beautiful time between you and your baby, so enjoy it! Savour the look in your baby’s eyes, look at their little dimpled hands and appreciate how close they snuggle. This season goes by too fast, take it from someone who has been there.
A Few Things You Definitely Should Do While Breastfeeding
Drink Water
It’s important to stay hydrated. Think about it this way; your body is making extra liquid for your child, which means you need to drink even more water than you already were. If you have trouble drinking water, add some fresh mint or berries! There’s a huge variety of flavoured drink packets you can purchase too.
Eat a Snack
Your body is working overtime to share the nutrients you ingest with your baby. It’s important that you replenish those lost nutrients with a healthy snack! My favourite snacks include a spoonful of peanut butter, a granola or protein bar, a glass of milk and a couple of oatmeal cookies, or chocolate for the rough days.
Be Patient
Breastfeeding takes time to get right and every Mamas journey is different! Be observant of your baby and see if they struggle with anything in particular, like getting latched. No one expects you to be a nursing expert! Keep in mind that your baby is unique and in time, breastfeeding will become a breeze.
Keep a Few “Hacks” on Hand
I like to keep a basket (or a bag) on hand with a few nursing “hacks” so to speak. Nipple balm can be a lifesaver when your nipples are adjusting to nursing. Nursing pads are also great to have on hand to eliminate any leaks. You might want to stock your basket with a few of the suggestions listed above, like a water bottle, snacks, and your current activity of choice. What do you like to do while nursing? Did we miss any suggestions? Let us know in the comments!
