Two in five moms says parenting is a job that the day is simply too short for
Two in five moms of little ones feel like parenting is a job that the day is simply too short for, according to new research.The survey of 2,000 mothers who are currently breastfeeding or have done so within the past five years examined where the time goes in those early years of parenting.Results found that 39% feel like there’s never enough time in their day to accomplish all of their parenting responsibilities, with moms who are currently breastfeeding especially feeling this way (43% vs.37%).While the average day includes four hours spent playing or snuggling with their baby, another two hours are allotted to changing diapers, and two more for bedtime routines and soothing their child.Above all, feeding takes up the most time: From breastfeeding to starting solids, the average mom spends over 91 full days feeding their baby over the course of a year.Commissioned by Momcozy and conducted by Talker Research for National Breastfeeding Month in August, the survey found that the average mom spent three hours a day breastfeeding during the first year, with 28% spending upward of five hours on this.Nursing itself takes up most of this time (33%), but pumping also consumes nearly a quarter of their breastfeeding time (22%).Moms also had to allocate time for cleaning their equipment (16%), storing and packaging milk (15%), and planning feeding times (14%).This adds up to over 23 hours per week, or nearly 100 hours per month.Breastfeeding was also noted as one of the most challenging aspects of being a new mom (40%), only surpassed by the lack of sleep (47%).Other challenging aspects included bedtime routines (32%), knowing what’s best for their baby (26%), and making sure they’re providing the best environment (26%).“These findings reflect what we hear from families every day,” said Melissa Kotlen, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Clinical Manager of Momcozy.
“While breastfeeding is often described as natural, that doesn’t mean it com...