strategies for coping with bfeeding newborn and demanding, active toddler pls...

[FoxtrotMikiLima]

I'm due to have dc2 and really want to bf but am worried about coping with my toddler ds1 when I do - he is gorgeous, funny and cheeky but with that comes with a very active, demanding personality. I can't ever imagine him sitting patiently waiting while I bf dc2 - ds1 loves to be out and about but with that comes the problems of supervising him while my hands are full, and if we stay home all the time, he will go completely stir crazy.

Has anybody had similar experiences and if so, what did you do to cope?

C Beebies. A lot

'Special' toys/books etc that only come out when you're feeding

Snacks

Reading a story whilst feeding

I got the hang of 'feeding on the go' with DC2 as had toddler also - hope the same happens for you. Good luck!

Thanks. He loves loves loves Cbeebies and is a complete snackmonster so that is a great start NotnowBernard!

I'm just hoping that dc2 will not be as nightmarish a feeder as ds1 (I remember several 6 hour stints of cluster feeding, with ds1 not going more than 1 to 2 hours between feeds for a good two/three months. I remember barely being able to leave the house after a feed to get a bus into town before I had to find a cafe to feed again.

CBeebies seconded here to!!

A sling

They love to join in so will happily fetch nappies, muslins etc

It's not easy but it's lovely to see the bond developing between them. DS 3 and DD 16 weeks, and it does get easier!!

Good luck!

yup, you will be able to multitask - i walk around, get sellotape/shout at/wipe bums etc with ds latched on. sling you can breastfeed in an essential, they will fall asleep - you can walk around/get sellotape/shout at/wipe bums etc. Ds does get little ahd often milk-wise - no long, extended sitting down here... occasionally with cbeebies or books.

Agree with bringing them close rather than try to separate.

It will be fine, bfing baby #3 here - easier to whip out a boob (and put it away) than prepare bottles with a toddler and 5yo IMVHO.

At feed time my mum used to use the time to sit and read to my brother or play a game that uses one hand. I'm expecting twins and dd will be 3.5 - I'm buying her a game for my ds for her to play. I was so against young children playing on computers but I think things have to slide and be realistic!

Thanks for all your advice - I feel a little better about the prospect of it all now. :)