bf second child - is it more difficult?

[sallycinamon]

I'm 15 weeks preg with second and really keen to bf. I bf dd for 8-9 months.

It was really tough for the first week or so - she wouldn't latch on, my nipples were sore etc but we got there in the end. I'm so glad I managed to bf but get the impression it is harder with the second. Friends have given up much sooner and seem to think formula is far more practical if you have another small child/toddler running around (new baby due two days before dd's 3rd b'day).

any tips or personal experiences greatly received!

[quickdrawmcgraw]

I found bfing the second baby was much easier that bottle feeding would have been purely because with bfing I still had a hand free to help dd with stuff.
For example, I would organise myself on the sofa and could still read or cuddle older dd beside me if she needed me.
Otherwise I would have been saying 'after I've fed the baby' etc which might have led to her kicking off.
I didn't find it any less painful though but I may have just had a crappy latch at the beginning.
I ended up feeding them both for the same amount of time(8 months) but introduced a daily bottle of ebm earlier so I could read dd's story while dh was feeding ds.

[jes74]

ds is nine weeks and dd 20 months, there are times when i'm feeding and she gets the hump but on the whole its not a problem and wasn't a problem likewise when ds1 was 16months and ds2 arrived now 8&7. i have found it easier each time practically not having bottles etc when out already with overflowing change bags. i dont have to worry about heating bottles etc. Also dd loves watching him feed and feeds her dolls too.

[franke]

I had real problems getting bf established second time round - very stressful. I think having done it once relatively easily I assumed it would be a bit like riding a bike second time, and floundered a bit when it didn't go to plan straight away. But once we got it sorted it was much easier than faffing around with bottles. There's plenty you can do to entertain the older child whilst bf the baby.

[pointydog]

This must be such an individual thing but I had a very painful, horrible time with dd1, knew I wouldn't be able to cope if same happened second time around. But it was all fine with dd2, slight tenderness in first couple of days but nothing uncomfortable.

I felt it helped as my nipples had been through it before! Stay relaxed and don't expect the worst. Get a list of phone numbers of people who could help you if needed. That's what I did.

[sallycinamon]

thanks for the helpful posts.

Will definitely give it a try.

My main worry was how time-consuming bf can be. With dd a feed could take 40 mins or more and i remember feeling like I was spending most of the day bf. It didn't really bother me at the time but I could see it being a problem with another one. Im sure it will all work out and it's still a long way off.

[foxythesnowman]

IME all four of mine were very similar. Had to break through the pain barrier etc each time, suffered the same cracked nipples etc, engorgement wasn't as bad second time though.

Some people go for bottle feeding simply because it is simply easier and quicker when you have other children.

It can be quite tricky entertaining a toddler for 40 minutes whilst feeding. DC2 may have to wait a wee while longer whilst you sort out DC1 with a drink/snack/book.

[TiddlerTiddler]

On feeding, I had a nightmare first time around and second time was much easier. I was more relaxed and took it one day at a time and didn' put too much pressure on myself. And am still feeding post 6 months now! I was also able to catch thrush and mastitis problems early etc. because I recognised the signs.

My DS was 2 years and 9 months so similar kinda age. I think you have to not feel guilty about them watching DVDs. I found them a life saver!

Also, as mentioned previously, getting a book and having them sit beside you to read a story is another good one. We also had lots of sign alongs to nursery rhymes / xmas cds.

Maybe i was lucky, but I found that by 3 he was able to occupy himself for a while on his own playing with his toys. So I tried to time that bit of "solo" play time for him when I was feeding.

I do find that I had to check before I sat down to feed - do you want a drink / snack / go to the toilet. As I find that the most frustrating thing as you are just getting into the feed when I get.. mummy need to do a wee / poo etc. and you have to get up (cue milk spurting everywhere!)

Also, as mentioned previously too - heading out the door is soooo much more time consuming with 2 of them so I too find it a life saver to know that I only have to worry about nappies and not bottles etc.

[gigglewitch]

I think 2nd time is easier because you have the confidence and know you can do it. also easier in that you don't want to make extra work like faffing with bottles. Just get a bunch of new books or ones that your DC1 hasn't memorised yet, so that you and no1 get 'special time' to snuggle up and read a book whilst you feed the LO. my first two were 2.10 apart and this worked a treat - DS1 even started to demand that DS2 was fed so that he could cuddle up on the sofa with a book

[yelnats]

I didnt feed dd1 but am still feeding dd2 (11 1/2 months) and I think it has been easier than it would have been to ff as no hassle with making/heatin/sterilising/remember to take out with you bottles. dd1 was 2 months off her 3rd birthday when dd2 arrived and she has been excellent with her and is often found feeding her dolls.

[BigBadMouse]

I found it a lot easier second time round too. So much more relaxed about everything (although DD2 was not the 'relaxed second baby' my MW promised me . DD2 was born the day after DD1's second birthday and I am an incredibly unorganised crappy mummy but still managed to cope with BF DD2 and look after DD1 as this is what I really wanted to do.

You did really well with your first DD, I'm sure you'll be fine with your next child. Don't worry about how you'll entertain your DD1 during BF sessions, when the time comes you'll find ways that work for both of you by trial and error pretty quickly

btw, My DD1 breast feeds her 'rabbit' even now and she can't wait to see me BF DC3 due in May apparently

[littlemrsmiss]

I has a bit of trouble at first bf DS1. DS2 was so much easier. My children have a similar age gap to yours.

I found that checking do you need a wee/pooh etc, before a feed was a good idea or putting a dvd etc on or cartoon etc for DS1 (I think these have all been suggested). Also reading a story is a good one! I do not understand why anyone thinks that making bottles of formula etc is easier? All that messing about sterilising, etc. Each to his own, though!

DS2 is 1 next month and we are still going strong! Reluctant to stop as it may be my last chance