How to Read a Book While Breastfeeding

Sometimes, when you are breastfeeding, you will feel as if you cannot get anything else done because you are constantly nursing your baby. Although breastfeeding is an incredible experience for a mother to have, it is easy to become quickly frustrated. Still, being frustrated is not healthy for you or the baby; so it is best to avoid it, if at all possible. Try reading a book while breastfeeding. It will keep your mind moving when your body is not. If you want to read aloud to your baby, he will enjoy listening to the soothing sound of your voice. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Read a Book While Breastfeeding

1. Prepare your area for comfortable breastfeeding. Make sure you have enough pillows and a solid surface to lean back against.
2. Place a drink (and snack if you want one!) next to your breastfeeding area in order to keep yourself hydrated. Keep it within reach so that you do not have to maneuver too much once you and your baby are comfortably nursing.
3. Choose a book that you would like to read. Keep it within arm’s reach of your breastfeeding area.
4. Begin to nurse your baby. Spend the first few moments thinking about the two of you. Help your baby calm down and get situated.
5. Pick up your book when you are certain that your baby is comfortable and happily nursing. If your baby is nursing on your right side, hold your book in your left hand. Turn the pages with the hand that holds your baby. She should not be disrupted if she is hungry or tired.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes your baby will be distracted by your book--and may turn to reach for it. You can typically solve this by focusing solely on him for a few more minutes, allowing him more time to sink into his nursing routine. If he is not truly hungry or tired, he will want to grab the book and play with it.