Early feeding expert warns mums are being distracted by technology

Smartphones have saved many a breastfeeding mums' sanity, but are they leading to 'distracted' feeding?

The distraction power of mobile phones has been well documented with 'screen zombies' regularly placing themselves in precarious and dangerous positions simply by not looking up. Now, a new study has revealed that both breast- and bottle-feeding mums are frequently distracted by technology during feeds. Researchers from California Polytechnic State University have published their findings in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behaviour, stating that distractions occur in close to half of feedings, with 60 percent of distractions attributable to technological devices. In recent times there has been increasing interest in understanding how technology can impact parent-child interactions, but few studies have examined this issue during infant feeding interactions. For this study, 75 mothers participating in infant-feeding research programmes were asked to keep a diary of feeding patterns for one to six days. The mums recorded information about feeding length, feeding breastmilk or formula, amount fed, and what else they were doing while feeding. Questionnaires were also completed by mothers to gauge baby behaviour, mothers' engagement, and mums' perception of babies feeding. Lead author Dr Alison Ventura, an expert in early feeding behaviour, says that technological distractions included watching television or using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other technology:

"Distractions were reported during 43 percent of feedings for the group data, with mothers reporting technological distractions during 26 percent of feedings and non-technological distractions during 17 percent of feedings."

A whopping 92 percent of mothers reported a distraction during one or more feedings and 83 percent reported a technological distraction. Mums with more than one child and those who had babies with bigger appetites were more likely to become distracted. However, method of feeding (breast or bottle), mums' education levels and BMI, baby gender, weight, and temperament were not found to be significant predictors of distraction.