Afternoon feeds usually become afternoon contact naps. These are some of my favorite times with my baby. The sweet quiet of her being comforted by my heartbeat and warmth. And all the better when the cats join our nap pile.
But too many times I found myself nap trapped and lacking the proper care for myself- my water was empty, I hadn’t made myself lunch or a snack, I forgot the grab the remote or a book. There are only so many days you can spend 2 or 3 hours doom scrolling because your phone is the only thing in reach while the baby naps on you.
So my tip to add to the list is to make sure you prepare for yourself, not just your baby. Take the extra time before sitting down for a feed to fill your water bottle or make your tea, make your lunch and bring it to the couch with you, grab the remote and a book too for good measure. You’re no good to anyone hungry, dehydrated, and bleary eyed from too much phone scrolling so might as well be prepared not to move for the next 3 hours and still be comfortable and happy. Quiet time with your baby can still mean care for yourself.
