Practical tips

[MadameJ]

After a shaky start with DD, we shared a wonderful bfing experience. However I found itvery intense as she cluster fed an awful lot and never went longer than 2 hours between feeds until she was 10 months old. As she was my first I could obviously sit on the sofa all day if necessary but how on earth do u manage feeding a newborn when you have a toddler to take care of? I absolutely want to bf my next DC so I am looking for practical tips to achieve this please. TIA x

I found that both DS2 and DS3 where very different feeders to DS1. DS2 was happy with a 20 minute feed every 2 -3 hours and would not take more. DS3 liked a good 45 minute feed and when he was hungry he wanted food NOW!

1. You are a much more experienced feeder so things will hopefully be easier although DC2 is not an experienced feeder so you still have to teach them
2. Talk to a BF counsellor before or in hospital for lots of tips
3. Your day does have to revolve around DD1 so DC2 does have to fit in more
4. Have a box of attractive toys that DD1 likes and get it out just for BF times
5. Have a couple of books near by to read to DD1 whilst BF
6. Don't worry about sharing your time equally. Give your attention to whoever needs it at the moment - it will even itself out in the end.
7. Label DC2 as DD1's baby and make positive remarks (DC2 also smiles when he sees you, DC2 said your name first, DC2 loves your singing, etc)
8. Don't rush the BF though as DC2 will only want another feed sooner or will not settle if they don't get a good BF
9. Make sure DD1 is settled with an activity / drink and a snack etc before you start BF

I am sure it will all go well but remember any difficult moments don't last forever.

Haven't done it myself so can't speak from experience, but am in the same boat! Thinking about ttc again and ds is still bf and just coming up to one. My general plan is to purchase a sling that I can feed in so I can run round after ds ands feed at the same time.

I'm in same boat, as I'm due DC2 in August and want to bf again. DS will be 2.6 years when baby is born.

A friend gave me a tip which is: when you know the baby will be having a big feed then settle the older child on the sofa with snacks and a drink for themselves. She also said the older child can 'help' by bringing you a bib, wipes, whatever else you need so he/she doesn't feel left out.

I'm a little nervous about how DS will respond to the baby, and bf is a big part of this. Looking forward to it too!

Use a sling to carry baby around the house- some mums also can breastfeed while doing that which must be amazingly handy.

Plan frequent (with an understanding mum who will also help you tidy up afterwards) so you don't have to be in sole charge of entertainment.

Embrace DVDs and YouTube for films/shows to watch together with your older child.

Find child friendly breastfeeding cafes.

Consider that for a couple of months your elder child will have less one to one that they're used to, it's not the end if the world and once baby is older you can do more stuff again.

Delegate as much as possible care of your eldest to DP. Mine still is in main charge of morning wake up/ breakfast/dress etc and a lot if the time puts my eldest to bed as well. Makes a massive difference to have that kind of support, though millions of mums do it singlehanded so it's all possible!

Take it day by day, once breastfeeding is established it will be so easy to be out with both children, just remember that to give you strength when your day is a bit tough.

Good luck!

Plan frequent playdates