My daughter just turned 1 this week, which also marks the first year ‘anniversary’ of my breastfeeding journey. For the past 12 months, I’ve found myself carrying out my breastfeeding duties in ways that are rather ‘interesting’.
I’ve breastfed my little one while attending to calls and text messages that simply couldn’t wait. I’ve breastfed with one hand while trying to finish up my meal with the other (taking extra care that my tot does not get showered with rice grains). Heck, I’ve even subject myself to some tango moves by trying to dress up with my baby attached to my breast. Ah, the joys of being a milk machine!
Don’t get me wrong – I do enjoy the special bonding time of nursing my baby the 'proper' way, but there will be situations that call for the need to multitask while breastfeeding. And looks like there are other mums who juggle with the whole multitasking-while-breastfeeding business too – including supermodel Gisele Bundchen!
But why has this recent photo of Gisele Bundchen breastfeeding her daughter been subjected to mounts of criticism in the blogosphere?
Gisele Bundchen criticised for breastfeeding photo
Gisele Bundchen, the supermodel and supermummy has sparked yet another round of ‘mummy wars’ with an image she posted on her Instagram account earlier this month.
The picture shows the Brazillian beauty clad only in a robe, breastfeeding her 1-year-old daughter, Vivian Lake – while surrounded by a team who are busy curling her hair, painting her nails and putting on her make-up.
The said picture came with the caption, “What would I do without this beauty squad after the 15 hours flying and only 3 hours of sleep #multitasking #gettingready”.
While some were awed by her efforts to show the beautiful side of breastfeeding, there were negative comments posted by others who took issue with her ‘multitasking’ while nursing her baby.
It’s a lovely picture that depicts the wish of mums everywhere – to give her child the best food on earth and keep up with the things that she does best in life.
So why are some people far from happy with this picture? Could it be that in their minds, one of the most beautiful women in the world is trying to get all high and mighty about what women can and should do (breastfeeding while being a full time working mum)?
I spoke to some mums to get their views on the picture, and here’s what they all had to say:
“It’s EXACTLY what I wish I could do – to offer my baby the comfort of breastfeeding whilst being dolled up. It’s the best of both worlds!” Bootsirin O., Mother of 1
“I think what she’s doing is AWESOME! I used to do the same thing when I was breastfeeding my son before – and I have no problems with mums who multitask while breastfeeding.” Nisa A., Mother of 1
[The picture] kind of sums up motherhood nowadays though. I remember feeding my baby on my wedding day while getting my make-up done! When (maternal) duty calls, you just get on with it. Two thumbs up to Gisele. I am only jealous she has a beauty team. Let's see her handle breastfeeding and brushing her own hair, which so many of us normal mums will do! Nancy E., Mother of 1
“Kudos to Gisele and mothers who think alike! Let’s not look at the entourage of stylists she’s getting help from, but the message she’s relaying. No matter what your job title is, MUM is your #1 job/role. Giving your child a clean/good/enriching head start should never take a back seat to your career. I tip my hat to any mother who can multitask while breastfeeding! Ann L.A., Mother of 2
Despite the controversy that Gisele’s picture has received, most of us are inspired by the supermodel’s efforts to promote breastfeeding as a 'normal thing' that mums do. And we certainly have no qualms with mums multitasking while breastfeeding.
5 things you can do while breastfeeding
Believe it or not, breastfeeding is the perfect opportunity for mums to multitask. Here are some things that you can do easily while nursing your baby:
1. Read
I love reading, but with a baby at home who needs to be constantly watched and entertained, my reading time has been cut drastically. So now it’s up to me to find those little pockets of spare time to enjoy my favourite books; I found that I could get some reading done while breastfeeding my baby.
All you really need is some clever pillow arrangement skills to support your hand while holding your baby, and to prop your book upright. I managed to get quite a bit of reading done during the early months when my baby took her time to nurse.
2. Take a nap
Breastfeeding takes up a lot of your time and energy, so here’s your chance to get some shut-eye. Get yourself and baby comfortable in the side-lying position, and make sure that your bed is safe for baby to sleep in (not too many pillows!).
3. Have a snack or drink
It’s important to make sure that you don’t get overly hungry or thirsty while breastfeeding. During the early weeks, I’d always have a bottle of water and some healthy snacks on the table next to my bed (granola bars, packets of biscuits or a banana) to give me the much-needed energy boost. The best thing was, some of these actually helped to boost my milk supply!
4. Spend time with your other kids
If you have older children, breastfeeding gives you the perfect opportunity to keep ALL your babies close you. Use your free hand to cuddle and let them snuggle in while you nurse the baby. You can also read to your older kids so that they do not feel left out now that there’s a new baby in the family.
5. Gaze at your baby
Multitasking doesn't necessarily mean that you need to actively do something; even simple gestures like gazing or gently touching your baby counts! Take this chance to bond with her by stroking her hair, talking or singing softly (don’t worry, she won’t judge your singing skills). It’s the little things like these that help to remind you that you’re the reason that she’s healthy and growing well.
It is important to remember that while breastfeeding comes with a world of benefits for both mum and baby, some mothers may not be able to keep up with their efforts and intentions to breastfeed beyond the recommended 6 months. If you are unable to breastfeed for whatever reason, you should not feel guilty about it. All mums want the best for their babies, and the decision not to breastfeed shouldn't make you feel less of a mum.
theAsianparent also has a Singapore Breastfeeding Mums Support Group that you can join for mum-to-mum advice.
What did you think of Gisele Bundchen’s breastfeeding photo? Do you believe that mums should be able to multitask while breastfeeding? Share your thoughts with us by commenting below...