anyone got any ideas for/experience of entertaining 3 year old whilst breastfeeding new baby?

[EmmaBemma]

Hello! Breastfeeding has been going OK so far, I think, but as my baby girl is still quite small (3 weeks), I am feeding for a large proportion of the day. I have another daughter - a very bright and active three year old who my husband has been mostly looking after since her little sister's birth, which has worked fine all round, except he goes back to work next week, and thinking about how I'll fill the days so she doesn't go insane with boredom is starting to give me the fear.

I don't want to have the telly on all day, but am not averse to an hour or so of cbeebies in the afternoon. We have craft stuff but quite a lot of it needs supervision, and I'm not quite at the multi-tasking stage of feeding yet (don't know if I'll ever be - I have big unwieldy bosoms so need both hands). I guess we could read stories together? She is quite good at playing on her own but I want to spend proper time with her too - I miss her at the moment.

There's also the garden, the park, (if not pissing down) the local soft play, all of which would get us out of the house for a bit. And she starts at playgroup in a week, for three mornings, so at least she'll be getting some decent stimulation and time with friends.

If you've been in a similar situation, what did you do? I don't know whether I'm making this more complicated than it needs to be!

I know exactly what you mean! Had 2 and half year gap and youngest fed a lot! She's 23 months now and am finding it really easy (it does get better!)

I had a grab bag, draw string bag that I shuved down slide of sofa out of sight that I'd give her just before settling down for feed. Filled with toys she was unfamiliar with. General tat! Could borrow bits from friends, eg pretend mobile phone, plastic jewellary etc. Then put it away ready for next feed!

Don't be too hard on yourself either, if a for a few days the telly's on lots it won't be for ever. I know you miss her but do I detect a hint of guilt? I felt very guilty when I had my 2nd because of the lack of attention I was able to give her, but someone pointed out that I'd given her the best gift in the world; a sister. I now know this is true as they adore each other and miss each other when they're apart.

Good luck!!

thanks happysunsshinedays! What a kind post. You are right, I do feel a bit guilty. That's a great idea about the grab-bag - I will definitely try something similar. I'm cheered to hear how well it worked out for you - and hopeful you've given me a glimpse into the future too!

Reading to her is a great idea! I read to dc1 constantly when bf dc2. it's easy and in the long run less hassle than tv. If you get lots of library books it's not so boring for you either. Non fiction makes a change too.Now he reads to dc2 while I bf dc3.

Oh, I'm exactly the same. Love the grab bag idea too!
But I'm 8 weeks in and DD has adapted to her brother well.
Good toys for us during feeding have been a bead set - she threads beads on to make a necklace.
Colouring in - a new book chosen together or a new Peppa Pig magazine.
ABC toy - a leapfrog battery thing she sits next to me and presses the letters.
Singing! I have taught her new songs, do you remember the one about I went to the animal fair, the birds and bees were there.
We also giggle over Hey diddle diddle, the cat did a piddle! It has made her feel really grown up to learn 'rude versions'
I have just had to repeat a lot that when baby is asleep, mummys time is all for her! Then I make her time really special. She loves baking so we do really quick stuff like cornflake choc cakes.
And little things like saying to the baby, wait a minute, I am talking to your sister and you have to wait your turn. He doesn't know but it seems to make her feel a lot better.

Enjoy and relax, it hasn't been anywhere near as bad as I thought and everyone else made out!

I did lots of feeding outside shivering on a bench in the garden watching my 2 year old ride his bike. I get him to build Brio tracks in new and excting shapes, and ask him lots of questions about what he's doing, and which train goes where, and make suggestions; so kind of playing with him without actually picking up the pieces. I ask him to go and get me things (which I may or may not need!) and then tell him how wonderfully helpful he is being. I go to friends houses, so he has new stuff going on and other people to entertain him (lots of us seem to be having second babies at a similar time so we're all quite understanding of how hard this first bit is). And occasionally, as my ds2 is now 6 months old and getting very easily distracted by noise/activity near him while he's feeding, I tell him I'll be back in a minute, retreat to the bedroom and shut the door!

The guilt of no.2 taking up time and attention is horrible, and made me cry to start with, but I promise it gets easier, and your dd1 will adjust.

And you will get better at doing things whilst breastfeeding than you ever thought you could - I'm a master at making plasticine shapes with one hand now. Even with large boobs, I found that as the baby got more proficient at latching on and staying latched on, after a few weeks I could feed him without thinking too much about it. This means you can get on with things including the craft activities whilst feeding at the same time.

Good luck - hope this helps a little - it will get easier.