bfing baby number2 with toddler around, how do you manage ?

[fredly]

Hi
I'd like to bf baby number2 on demand, just like I did for number1, and for as long as possible. But I am a bit concerned that it's going to be a major hassle with a toddler around asking for attention. How do/did you manage?

[Clayhead]

CBeebies!

[NotQuiteCockney]

I did a lot of reading and feeding - lying in bed bfing DS2 while reading a book to DS1, which was lovely and cuddly. DS1 was a bit older though (3), which helped.

A sling is a good idea, otherwise. Or a box of special toys that only get brought out while you are bf #2.

[Clayhead]

And no less hassle than leaving the room to sort a bottle out!

My dd was 20 months when ds was born and I talked to her loads and we did watch some TV together too. TBH I found it a godsend at thst stage, I wasn't just being flippant!

[PiccadillyCircus]

DS is 27 months and DD is 5 months and breastfed on demand.

I find that a combination of DVDs, CBeebies, reading books and being able to breastfeed on the move when DD was small have helped.

She also seems to feed for a much shorter period of time than DS did.

[amynnixmum]

DD used to get up and give me a cuddle when I fed ds and that wasn't a problem. Like NotQuiteCockney we read lots of stories. DD was only 18 months when ds was born. My sister is currently doing the same thing. DD1 sometimes gets a bit jealous and climbs up for a cuddle but its not a problem.

[PiccadillyCircus]

I have found it much easier than (a) I thought it might be and (b) than I think bottle feeding would have been as well.

[PiccadillyCircus]

And feeding DD on the sofa where there is plenty of room for DS to cuddle as well

[fredly]

Great, it can be done then . Still I hope that #2 won't take an hour for each feed like #1 did or I might run out of books fairly quickly ! Thanks all.

[CaptainDippy]

Bought first child a doll - really helped, was still tough though. Lots of jealousy issues and wanting to jump on me and the new baby while I was breast-feeding. Sometimes resorted to sitting in a play pen while DD1 romped around trying to figure out how to get in. Try and co-ordinate feeds with bath times or nap times or get someone in to help out on occasion if you can. It is hard, but it is worth it!! Good for you fredly!!

[Em32]

You just manage - I asked the same question about 7 months ago (have a six month old and a two year old - 19 month gap) Ds hated it to start with and would try and climb on my lap/ask for a story etc. I talked to him a lot and tried to distract him (unfortunately he isn't into cbeebies wish I had trained him into it!) Now he is fine and says 'eat more milk' and pushes her face into my boob! At first they seem to think the baby is getting a big cuddle but now I think ds realises I'm feeding and understands the difference. Good luck.....