How to Multi-task While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding your newborn baby is one of the most rewarding and time-consuming things a new mother can do for her baby. Newborns need to nurse frequently and often do so for long periods of time, leaving mom sitting in a bed or chair for quite a while. Fortunately it is possible to multi-task while breastfeeding a baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sling

1. Spend plenty of time just nursing your baby. When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, you’ll want to spend lots of time laying in bed together, rocking your little one and learning his cues. In the first several weeks after your baby is born, it’s incredibly important to just focus on the baby so you can establish a solid breastfeeding relationship. Don’t worry about getting too many things done around the house just yet, especially if you have friends or family around to help out.
2. Practice different nursing positions. Many mothers find that they can read a book or surf the Internet while nursing their baby in the traditional cradle hold. If you are using the football hold or nursing while lying on your side, you’ll likely be able to read a book or watch TV.
3. Learn to nurse with your baby in a sling. Try out different types of baby slings to see which one you and your baby are most comfortable using. Start out by wearing your baby around the house then when you are more comfortable try nursing your baby when she is in the sling. This will take some practice, but once you get the hang of it you can nurse your baby while cleaning, taking walks or out shopping. No one will be the wiser as most slings are designed for discreet nursing.
4. Experiment working on different tasks while nursing. Many tasks, such as eating, can be done one-handed or can easily be done while carrying your baby in a sling. All it takes is a little practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use common sense when you do other tasks while breastfeeding. Never, for example, cook or use sharp objects while breastfeeding.