I read an article the other day about how bad it is to watch tv (or text or play on your phone/ipad/laptop) while you breastfeed. Immediately, the mommy guilt crept in. I must be a terrible mother because I don't constantly gaze lovingly at my child while I'm feeding her.
Well, I do gaze at her and stroke her face and talk to her and all those things... But I'm pretty sure if that's ALL I did while she eats I'd either go nuts, quit breastfeeding or both.
I've actually done a whole host of things while nursing: putting on makeup, reading a book, writing blog posts (like this one), talking on the phone, eating countless meals (practically all of them) and yes, catching up on the DVR and watching old episodes of Grey's Anatomy on Netflix. I actually don't know when or if I'd ever do any of those things other than when I'm feeding the baby.
There is a ton of stuff to worry about or feel guilty about as a parent. Even when you go with your gut and do all you can there is still that fear that you might be failing and will screw up your kid for life.
Even just with feeding the baby, moms are made to feel bad if you formula feed, or don't breastfeed long enough or you breastfeed past a year and a half or 2 years. I sometimes feel guilt about going back to work, for not at least trying cloth diapers, for not having my baby on a good nap schedule, and on and on...
Well I'm trying to release the guilt. I'm doing the best I can and I'm doing what works for me and my family. So, I will continue to multitask while feeding Lila, but I know these moments are fleeting so I will definately try to gaze at her just a little bit more.
Don't feel guilty! I do it, too. I mean honestly - think about how much time we spend breastfeeding! I've eaten, read books, browsed the internet, watched television, and so on! You're not alone! :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Love this post. So true.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are doing a wonderful job!
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