As babies grow, so do their bellies and, therefore, the length of time between feedings increases. In addition, once you get into a good routine, you’ll discover that there are lots of things that can be done in a short period of time.
Snuggle
There is no better time to snuggle your baby then after a nice full feeding. This is great for you and your baby. Snuggling stimulates the production of the hormone oxytocin, otherwise known as the “cuddle hormone,” which helps a baby establish a sense of trust and maternal attachment. This hormone is even more elevated during breastfeeding sessions.
Take a Rest
Your baby will likely sleep once they’ve been fed and burped, so why not use that time to get some much needed shut eye? You might be thinking, there is no way I can take a rest. There is too much to do. As hard as it might be to put the chores aside, those things will get done and sleep is critical for your health. Lack of sleep puts stress on your body and may temporarily reduce your milk supply. More sleep can mean less cortisol circulating throughout the body which can help to improve milk quantity in some nursing mothers. Keep in mind that this information is anecdotal, but might be worth a try. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that “most people feel refreshed after a nap that lasts approximately 20 minutes.” Don’t feel guilty; consider this is the first step for adequate self care soon after delivery.
Take a Shower
Showers are a hot commodity after having a baby. Many moms complain about “not feeling human” soon after a birth. If your baby is resting peacefully and safely, this can be the perfect time to take a shower. And while you may simply be changing into a new pair of sweats and putting your once dirty, now clean hair in a new pony tail, a warm shower can change your perspective and mood. Showering can help you to wake up, rejuvenate you, and give you the energy you need to tackle your next task.
Eat a Snack or a Meal
Fueling your body is important for milk-making as well as sustaining energy, elevating mood, and losing baby weight. Moms with new infants may find themselves searching for time to eat, finishing their older children’s’ scraps, and not sitting down to eat a meal alone or even on a plate. You’d be surprised at how amazing it is to eat a nutritious and delicious meal slowly and happily. Aim to heat up some leftovers or prepare a hearty and healthy meal or snack. Some good ones to consider include:
Fresh fruit (like berries) with low-fat Greek yogurt and some chopped nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, ground flaxseed, hemp, chia, cashews)An egg scramble with leftover veggies and avocado paired with a slice of whole grain toastA whole grain English muffin with peanut butter and bananaWhole grain corn quesadilla made with cheese, scallion, and some leftover proteinWarm leftovers that someone else made you (the best kind of food)
Make Some Tea and Watch a Show
Relax. You deserve it. Engage in a mindless activity to reduce stress and anxiety. The dishes and laundry will be there after the next feeding. While some teas may promote breast milk production, keep in mind that some herbal teas should not be consumed while breastfeeding. If you are not sure ,consult with your doctor. And if you don’t like tea, sip on some lemon water or seltzer.
Prep a Meal
Chop some vegetables, put a chicken in the slow cooker, throw together a one-pan meal, or search for some new recipes. Keep it easy and simple so that you don’t have extra work to do later when it’s time to eat.
Make a Grocery List
It’s frustrating to go to the grocery store with an infant (or send someone out for you) and forget something important. Save yourself the aggravation and make yourself a list. You can even order your groceries online and have them delivered, or pick them up curbside at the store. All of your orders will be saved, making future purchases that much easier.
Start a Load of Laundry
Having a baby means lots of laundry. From blankets, to onesies, to bibs, to socks, mom’s t-shirts and nursing bras, you may feel like there is an endless amount of clothing to wash. A good way to prevent laundry overload is to try do at least one or two loads daily. You may even have enough time to fold dry clothes and put them away (especially if you wear your baby so your hands are free).
Load or Unload the Dishwasher
A full sink or dishwasher can lead you into a disastrous dinner time. Set yourself up for success by having your sink and dishwasher ready for the next meal. Aim to have your dishwasher clean and cleared before dinner time so that once dinner is done you can simply load it and turn it on before bed.
Check Your Inventory
Check your inventory for household essentials. Running out of things like diapers, wipes, paper towels, toothpaste, laundry detergent, or dish soap can be troublesome. Check your inventory so that you don’t get yourself into a situation where you are down to the last diaper. To prevent this from happening, consider buying these items in bulk or scheduling monthly deliveries.
Catch Up on Emails
It often takes only a few hours for your inbox to fill up, and seeing a ton of notifications can cause unnecessary anxiety. Take this time to catch up on emails. Now may even be the time to unsubscribe to certain promotional emails. De-cluttering can reduce distraction and anxiety and help to clear your mind.
Pay Bills
Whether you use online re-current billing or manage a checkbook, now would be a good time to make sure your bills are up to date.
Play With the Baby’s Sibling
If you have a toddler or older children, now is the perfect time to give them some attention. The new baby may have stirred up some jealousy and some one-on-one time with a parent is just what they need. Play a game, color, read a book, watch a show with them, or have them assist you in a chore that needs to be done. Kids love helping in the kitchen or sorting laundry. They can be helpful and learn something at the same time.
Go for a Walk (Take the Dog)
Put the baby in the stroller and get some fresh air. So long as you have been medically cleared by your doctor, exercise is a great way to increase your energy and boost endorphins. It also helps to shed post-pregnancy weight. And if your furry friend was your first baby, this is a great time to give them some love.
Do an Exercise Video
If going for a walk isn’t an option due to inclement weather, stream a workout video on your phone or television (once you’ve received medical clearance). Consider yoga, pilates, or another type of activity that keeps you engaged.
Wash Bottles and Nipples
Bottles and nipples should be cleaned with hot soapy water when they are brand new and then after each use. In the past, sterilizing was recommended after each feeding. Today, it is just recommended before the first use. Thorough washing or dishwasher washing (for dishwasher-safe supplies) is considered a safe way to get rid of all of the germs. Discuss what’s best for your baby with a professional.
Pump
Pumping after a feeding can increase your milk supply and help you build a stock of expressed milk. The expressed breast milk can be used for a later feeding or can be stored in a specially made freezer bag made exclusively for milk collection, BPA free glass, or hard plastic container in the freezer. If you have established a milk supply, pumping too frequently may lead to oversupply. But a once-daily pumping session, after a feeding, is a good way to create a store of extra milk. Frozen breast milk is ideally used within the first six months of expression, but it can be good for up to one year. Ask your obstetrician or lactation consultant for specific recommendations.
Write a Journal Entry
Having a baby can bring up lots of emotions. Some moms enjoy journaling to help express their feelings or even as a platform to relish and reflect on the day. These entries can be used as a personal tool or if they are more like reflections, they can be incorporated into your child’s baby book. Journal entries may also be used to log feedings, wet diapers, and other important info about your new baby.
Call Someone
Having a new baby at home can make conversations on the phone difficult. After a feeding is the perfect time to give your best friend, mom, dad, sister or anyone else you’ve been wanting to talk to a call. Engaging in adult conversation can help you to find answers to questions you may have had or simply make you feel more in touch with the outside world. Especially if you are having difficulty with something, venting and getting some advice can go a long way.
Prepare Baby Food
If your baby is starting to eat some solid foods, “you can use time between feedings to prepare homemade food for them,” says Lauren Degaetano, registered dietitian and mother of two. There are many benefits to making your own baby food, such as the ability to control ingredients (no added salt or sugar), increasing variety and exposure to new foods, cost savings, and convenience (you can puree the food you are already making). For those moms who plan on going back to work, having frozen baby food in stock is a great way to save time and enjoy your baby while they are awake, too. Here are some easy and quick on the spot foods that you can prepare in a just a few minutes time:
Mashed banana Mashed avocado Raw ripe fruit: Very ripe mangoes or cantaloupe can be mashed with a fork or quickly thrown in a blender
Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age, but some babies may show developmental readiness to eat solids sooner (between 4 and 6 months). Have a discussion with your pediatrician if you are not sure when to start solids.
A Word From Verywell
Whether you have a brand new baby or a baby that is a bit older, you still may be trying to figure out your routine and what to do between feedings. Typically after a feeding, babies (especially new babies) will sleep. Take this time to take care of yourself and the rest of the family first, then tend to the house, the bills, and whatever else suits you.
