Taking a break is valid – and it's typical for nursing to sometimes feel like a chore rather than a memorable bonding experience – but time on your phone can detract from moments when your baby is wired to connect with you. We'll break down some considerations below that you can use to inform your approach.
Potential downfalls of phone use while nursing:
Poor positioningcan result in discomfort, nipple pain, or an ineffective latch.
It's easier to miss your baby's feeding cues.Being present allows you to be more responsive to your baby's subtle cues and changes in feeding patterns.
Some parents aren't comfortable with the unknowns around cell phone radiation.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cell phone radiation has Class 2B carcinogens, but not enough is known about exposure effects.
That said, never using your phone while tending to your baby is often unrealistic, so don't feel guilty if this feels like a conflict. You may not have a support circle, you may already be back at work, or you're juggling health concerns and need to log or communicate with your child's care team. Using our phones is a way to connect with other priorities that are also important. You are not a bad parent for doing two things at once. You are human!
Consider these boundaries and parameters to help you strike a balance:
Set designated phone usage times, limiting the duration and frequency of use and helping you build a routine with screen use.
Use your phone for specific purposes, such as reading articles, listening to podcasts, or connecting with supportive communities, to counter the addiction of mindless scrolling.
Find times when you can be fully present with your baby, prioritizing eye contact and singing, reading, or talking to them.