how to BF whilst entertaining a toddler?

[birdbandit]

hello,

I am due any day with DC2, and am really worried as to how to go about BFeeding the new child whilst playing/entertaining my son who is 2.5. I don't want to be telling him "no" all the time, and to not being there for him, as this may cause him to resent the new child.

Are there any slings/positions folk can advise? with DS1 he was a slow feeder, I remember it being feeding for an hour, off for an hour then back on again all day and night.

Any help/advice/reassurance greatly appreciated.

Yes, you can do hands-free breastfeeding in a stretchy wrap sling (which are ace for newborns anyway) check this out for advice on positions etc.

Will your DS go for things like reading? Could be a good opportunity every so often to snuggle up with him on the sofa and have storytime.

A lot of people enlist the services of CBeebies (again, encouraging your DS to snuggle up on the sofa with you to watch).

Good luck!

We had cbeebies on all day. I never managed to read to DS while I fed DD (I needed both hands told support her) and couldn't get the knack of feeding in a sling.

Thanks!

i feel so sorry for the poor boy, I am so large and exhausted that i have been properly over using the tv babysitter of late. He does go to nursery a couple of day, so he will get proper stimulation there at least. I just don't want him to feel that this new child has completely usurped him.

What Inmaculada said.
I have this sling. Is great!

Ds1 is 2.5 and tells me to give ds2 milk... he likes to sit and bang stroke his head too. Yes, cbeebies and books and cuddles. You will be surprised how it all fits into place... This is my third - dd was 2.3 when ds1 was born.

I remember with my first I would arrange cushions and get a glass of water etc, with the second, you will find yourself wiping a bottom with one hand while holding on to bf baby with the other...

Have lots and lots and lots of books on standby!

Actually BF while cuddling up to DS as well was wonderful!

Make sure you explain to DS that the new baby will be a bit boring and make you tired and do nothing but feed all day. That's what DS did and he was lucky as he didn't have to share you with anyone, unlike the poor baby. If he thinks he's about to get a new playmate he will be extremely disappointed.
Giving special jobs is good if he's biddable, like fetching the wipes, with lots of praise. Also remember the new baby will be asleep a lot so you can use that time to do at least one fun thing with DS a day.
If you usually go to toddler groups you could plan to be back at them within a couple of weeks so DS can play while you feed the baby.

I did find it difficult initially and often resorted to DVD/cbeebies so we could watch together - not ideal but helped and things changed as baby got bigger and breastfeeding got easier. As time went on able to read with DD1 (she would turn the pages) or even do simple games (helped that DD1 was into imaginary play). Singing also good but not for an hour! (and would take DD2 that long to feed at first)
Try not to worry about it too much but do try to prepare your DS as to what to expect with baby, how much time it will take up (at first) and how can read together, watch DVD together when feeding. In the first few days (or longer) see if you can enlist help to entertain DS (even if just visiting friends) but realise not always practical/possible.
Good luck.

PS personally, i have found newborn easier than being pregnant with toddler...

And mine hate it if I don't go to baby immediately he cries - think they feel strangely reassured by me showing the baby lots of care and love .

telly
telly
telly
telly
biscuits

books but you have to practise a bit - i learned to read upside down with book flat in front of me where toddler could see it.

just telling toddler what's going on can keep them amused - or bore them to the point that they lose interest and find themselves something to play with.

I spent the last weeks of pregnancy feeling so sad for ds1, worrying how he'd feel when the twins arrived. he was 2.8 when they were born and totally loves them. he doesn't seem to feel usurped at all, only glad that he has two new ever changing toys :) we made a big deal of him being big brother, they're called "his babies", and give him the option of helping with everything - bath, nappies, bf (he spent the early weeks commenting on their latch!) I try very hard to never tell him to be quiet because of the babies, and they're learning to sleep through his screeches.

but tv, story time, sticker books, drawing all things to do on the sofa with you while bf. lego fantastic for something to do at your feet.

You can have a basket of special toys/books/crayons/drink/fruit/snacks/what have you that you bring out when baby needs a feed and encourage DS to sit next to you so you can read his book or do some colouring next to you. A lap tray might be a useful addition to the basket too.

In time though you do get used to bfing in awkward positions - I have even managed to change my toddler's nappy on the floor whilst bfing - balancing a very young DD3 on my knees. Luckily it was a wee nappy not a poo nappy but still an achievement I feel (I don't get many of them these days so I take them where I can find them ).

cbeebies mag with stickers
if you can put your baby down, or if they'll sleep in a sling, get some sticking/drawing/playdoh or something out and set up at the table while your baby sleeps, then you can bf at the table while dc1 gets on with it.

Thanks all! I am sure it will be ok, it is hardly as if he is the first child to get a sibling. I am laughing at the thought of toddler bum wiping whilst simultaneously BFeeding, that is some skill!