10 Things to Do While Breastfeeding

1.) The easiest thing to do while breastfeeding is to watch TV. You only need one hand for the remote. It is not, however, the most desirable activity. It is so passive and mellowing that it can easily take over your day, especially if you find a movie channel.

2.) Reading is better. Compared with turning off a movie, it can be easier to put down a book when the wee one has finished her meal. It is not, however, very easy to turn the pages one-handed. I keep a copy of Meditations for New Mothers by the rocking chair. It's small and it doesn't matter which page I open to, so it doesn't matter if I lose my place.

3.) Listening to music can also help pass the time. CDs or personalized playlists are best. If you want to listen to the radio at this time, plan on a program you know you like so you don't have to browse radio stations.

4.) Breastfeeding is a good time to hydrate your self as well. I like to sip water or cranberry juice, but I'm not coordinated enough to trust myself with a hot beverage. It's even okay to have a glass of wine while you're feeding your baby. As my mother informs me, this helps you relax and release more milk. Some women are also able to eat while their baby eats. I tried putting a towel over my little one while sitting at the dinner table, but I still made a mess!

5.) Admire your babe. It is easy to forget with such frequent feedings that this truly is a precious time for mother and child. They do grow so fast!

6.) You don't always have to feed your baby in the same place. My little one loves to be outside, so I often spend breastfeeding time listening to the birds and feeling the sunshine. Breastfeeding is a perfect time to enjoy nature.

7.) Many people lose patience with breastfeeding because they don't know how to sit still. Just being is a skill and nursing can be time for meditation. I like to meditate and to rest, but I don't like to sleep while breastfeeding because if I fall asleep I can't know how well my baby has eaten.

8.) Of course, you don't have to sit still at all. Gentle walking doesn't seem to disturb my baby. I hold her steady with both arms and I can walk about the house or in the yard while she nurses.

9.) When taking care of a newborn, one can begin to miss the company of other adults. Breastfeeding might be a good time to make phone calls to old friends, just as long as the conversation does not distract the baby from the job of eating.

10.) Of course, if you are very ambitious while you nurse your baby, you might type an article to publish online-- that's right, with one hand!