Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience, but let’s be honest about what it really involves. New mothers often spend every two to three hours, 8 -12 times a day, breastfeeding their babies, especially during those early months.
When you’re sitting in the same chair for the third time that morning, holding your little one who’s contentedly nursing away, it’s completely natural to feel restless. Your mind might wander, you might feel bored, or you might simply crave some adult interaction or entertainment. This is where many mothers find themselves reaching for their phones.
The truth is, breastfeeding can sometimes feel isolating, especially during those long night feeds when the world is quiet and you’re the only one awake. It’s during these moments that scrolling through social media, or watching videos can provide a much-needed mental break.
When Stress Leads to Screen Time
Feeling stressed while breastfeeding is more common than you might think. Between hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the pressure to be the “perfect mother,” it’s no wonder many women turn to their phones for comfort and distraction.
I remember talking to a friend who described her early breastfeeding days as feeling trapped. She loved her baby dearly, but sitting still for hours on end while her little one nursed made her feel anxious and restless. Her phone became her lifeline to the outside world, helping her feel connected and entertained during those long feeding sessions.
Stress can actually affect your milk production and let-down reflex, so finding healthy ways to manage it is important. However, while using your phone can help manage stress in the short term, it’s worth considering both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Concerns With Phone Use While Breastfeeding
A 2024 study found that 69.7% of mothers used smartphones during breastfeeding. [1]
Missed Cues
What’s particularly noteworthy is that mothers who used their phones during breastfeeding reported feeling less confident about reading their baby’s hunger and satiety cues. This can lead to overfeeding or discomfort.
Baby’s Behavior
Studies show that babies often feel disregarded or distressed when parents are distracted by phones. Since infants depend on visual cues for emotional development, phone use during feeding can lead to babies crying or pulling away from the breast.
Bonding and Social Development
Distraction reduces the necessary eye contact and, verbal communication, and emotional cues between mother and infant. Without this, infants receive fewer opportunities to learn emotional cues, tone, and language, which can lead to lower empathy, reduced focus, and slower development. This interaction is critical for building neural connections.
So, Can I Use My Phone While Breastfeeding?
You may use your phone while breastfeeding. However, it’s wise to reduce unnecessary cell phone use, at least while nursing your baby. There’s no need to feel guilty about occasionally checking messages or browsing social media during feeding sessions.
However, it is suggested to put down the phone when able and bonding with baby, for example, mummy can interact with baby by talking to him/ her. It is because breastfeeding is a special time for both mother and baby. Like said, eye contact during feeding is crucial for social development and building trust. It also supports your baby’s brain development and helps them learn to read social cues. Constant phone use can significantly reduce these important moments of connection.
Some mothers report that being on their phone during feeding makes them feel less relaxed, which can affect their milk let-down reflex. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it’s worth paying attention to how phone use affects your breastfeeding experience.
Babies are always learning and observing. Using your phone frequently while breastfeeding might establish patterns where your child expects divided attention during important moments.
Also, using your phone during night feeds can make it harder to fall back asleep afterward, especially if you’re looking at bright screens or engaging content.
Bonding Activities to Do While Breastfeeding
Instead of reaching for your phone, here are some wonderful alternatives that can enhance your breastfeeding experience:
Gentle Conversation
Talk to your baby about your day, your hopes for them, or anything that comes to mind. Even though they can’t respond with words, babies love hearing their mother’s voice. I used to tell my friend’s baby about all the places we’d visit together when they got older. It felt silly at first, but it became one of my favorite parts of helping with feeding time.
Singing and Humming
Soft lullabies or even your favorite songs can be soothing for both you and your baby. Don’t worry about having a perfect voice. Your baby thinks you sound amazing. Some mothers create special nursing playlists of calming music to play during feeding sessions.
Mindful Observation
Take time to really look at your baby. Notice how their tiny fingers curl around yours, how their eyelashes look in the light, or how their breathing changes as they nurse. These moments of mindful observation can be incredibly peaceful and help you feel more connected.
Gentle Touch and Massage
Stroke your baby’s soft hair, gently massage their tiny hands, or trace their little features with your finger. This extra touch can enhance bonding and may even help with digestion.
Get Daddy Involved too
Even though daddy cannot directly feed, it is crucial for bonding and supporting the nursing parent. Encourage the partner to do soothing techniques like singing to calm the baby.
The key is finding what works for you and your baby. Remember, being a good mother doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being present when it matters, caring for yourself so you can care for your baby, and building a loving relationship that will last a lifetime. Whether that includes some phone time during breastfeeding is ultimately up to you.
References
Arezi, E., Maleki, A., & Jafari, E. (2024). The Effect of Media Distractions on Women During Breastfeeding and Infant Care: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, 19(4), 284–290. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2023.0264
Melissa, W. (2025). Is It Really a Big Deal To Use Your Phone While Breastfeeding? Why Experts Say It Might Be. (online)
Dr. Poonam, K. (2023). What Happens If You Use Mobile Phone While Breastfeeding? (online)
