Breastfeeding Mums Are Being Shamed For ‘Brexting’ But Is It Really So Bad?
Mums are being shamed for ‘brexting’ [Photo: Rex Features]
As her baby snuggles into her and feeds contentedly, the new mum looks down and smiles. But it’s not the cute gurgling noise or the sweet ‘milk drunk’ look in her baby’s eyes that’s making her smile, but the jokey message she’s just got from one of her NCT mum friends.
Brexting. AKA texting or using your mobile phone while breastfeeding is the current BF buzz word du jour and the latest way new mums are being shamed. One more thing to tick-off the guilt list.
According to some experts brexting can interrupt mother-baby bonding and cause mums to miss signs and cues that their baby is trying to make contact which can in turn lead to clinginess and attachment issues.
“[Mums] could be missing cues that they’re full or they’re still hungry or their latch isn’t secure or if they are having trouble swallowing,” psychologist Kateyune Kaeni, told Southern California Public Radio.
‘Hello! Down here’ [Photo: Rex Features]
As a result users of parenting forums are criticising mums who do take time out while feeding their baby to catch up with friends or family via their phone. But is it really so bad?
Olga Levancuka, author of How to be Selfish doesn’t think so.
“It’s astonishing that basically anything mothers do or don’t do gets criticism from anyone who has a spare minute on their hands,” she says.
“Given how many hours mothers spend with their babies, brexting is not only ok, it helps mothers to have that much needed feeling of being free to do what they actually want and gives them a bit of emotional rest from motherhood. The mothers who brext should be praised for doing what they want and what they CAN while breastfeeding.”
And there are other reasons experts believe brexting shouldn’t necessarily be getting the bad press it is. Having a baby can be an isolating time for new mums. It can feel like you’re the only one wading through the motherhood minefield, but your phone offers a lifeline to other mums in the same sleep deprived, uncertain haze.
Brexting doesn’t have to mean simply texting, it can be time spent scouring forums for feeding advice, researching baby group timetables and making new mum friends online.
Your smartphone can also offer a connection to the world outside of your baby bubble. A chance to stay in the loop and catch up on things you were interested in before you had baby sick down your Zara top and a dirty nappy at the bottom of your Michael Kors bag.
Some experts believe using your phone while breastfeeding interferes with bonding [Photo: Rex Features]
But like many things in life, there needs to be a balance.
“In the early weeks it is important to concentrate on breastfeeding to develop your bond with baby, ensure you have the correct positioning and a good latch, this is vital for a positive start to your breastfeeding journey,” explains Sioned Hilton, Medela UK Education Manager and in-house Lactation Consultant
“As the months progress, whilst some mums would find holding a phone interrupts that moment of time with baby, a time to interact, be close and baby watch - others will enjoy that they can share experiences, seek advice and keep in touch with family and friends. It is important there is a balance and of course baby always comes first.”
What do you think about brexting? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
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