It’s a common scene in today’s world: a new mother breastfeeding her baby, but also scrolling through her phone. Rochelle Gonzalez, a new mom, found herself doing just that after her baby, Ivan, came home from the NICU. Like many modern mothers, especially younger and professional ones, Gonzalez used her smartphone during breastfeeding sessions, particularly at night to stay awake. This trend, often referred to as “brexting,” has sparked discussions about the appropriateness and potential impacts of screen time during these intimate feeding moments. Experts are now raising concerns about excessive smartphone use while nursing, emphasizing the critical role of feeding time in mother-child bonding.
“It is very hard to bond and talk to the baby if you are on the phone,” explains Terry Bretscher, a nurse and lactation supervisor at Pomona Valley Medical Center. Bretscher and her team often witness this firsthand when assisting new mothers with breastfeeding. Nurses observe mothers distracted by buzzing phones, alerts, and the temptation to check messages, sometimes even answering calls mid-latch. This distraction can lead to mothers missing crucial communication cues from their infants.
Dr. Kateyune Kaeni, a psychologist specializing in maternal mental health, echoes this concern. She emphasizes that responding to a baby’s cues during feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, is fundamental for building a secure attachment. In the early weeks, a baby’s vision range is limited, primarily focusing on the distance between the breast and the mother’s face. This close proximity is vital for visual bonding and interaction. A distracted mother engrossed in her phone might overlook essential baby signals, such as fullness cues, hunger cues, latch issues, or swallowing difficulties. Missing these cues can not only disrupt feeding but also hinder the development of responsive parenting.
While experts caution against prolonged screen time, they also acknowledge that a little distraction can be understandable. New motherhood is demanding, and breastfeeding sessions can be lengthy. Dr. Kaeni suggests that some distraction is acceptable, but warns against consuming content that induces stress or anxiety, as this can negatively affect breastfeeding and the mother’s emotional state. The primary concern is extended periods of distraction that consistently prevent mothers from engaging with their babies. If a baby attempts to connect through sounds or smiles and receives no response, they may learn that their attempts to engage are ineffective. Over time, this can contribute to insecure attachment patterns, potentially leading the baby to escalate their behavior to gain attention.
Pomona Valley Medical Center, experiencing a high volume of births, recognizes this issue and is proactively addressing it. Bretscher mentions that their nurses routinely educate new mothers about minimizing screen time during feeding sessions. This one-on-one education is crucial during the hospital stay when mothers and babies are constantly together, providing an ideal window for learning and establishing healthy feeding habits.
New mom Rochelle Gonzalez experienced her “aha moment” when she realized her phone use was detracting from bonding with Ivan. A nurse highlighted the importance of communication during breastfeeding and helped Gonzalez understand her son’s cues. Gonzalez recognized that checking emails or social media during feeding was stealing precious bonding time. Now, she consciously minimizes phone use during breastfeeding, opting instead to talk to Ivan or, at most, turn on the TV. She strategically places her phone away from reach to reduce temptation. This mindful approach has enabled her to readily recognize Ivan’s cues, such as raised eyebrows indicating he’s getting too much milk or his hands opening and arms relaxing as he becomes full and content. These subtle yet significant cues would be easily missed if she were absorbed in her phone.
Recognizing the growing need for guidance, the lactation team at Pomona Valley Medical Center is planning to expand breastfeeding classes for expectant and new mothers to include specific lessons on the importance of limiting screen time. By promoting mindful breastfeeding and emphasizing the critical window for bonding, healthcare providers aim to support healthier mother-infant relationships in the digital age.
