What to expect when BFing second child?

[Ants]

I nursed ds until he was 9 1/2 months old, but he was a very easily ditracted baby and in the end he would only feed if there was perfect peace and quiet around him.
I'm expecting again and am already worried about how am I going to manage with frequent feeds of a newborn with a very lively 2 1/2 year old running about. And what will I do if the new baby turns out to be easily distracted, as well? Any ideas?

I learnt to bf standing up and running around after a toodler.

I haven't had a 2nd, but I have always noticed that subsequent children seem to adapt amazingly to their surroundings ie they feed and sleep while their older siblings are running around causing havoc and mayhem!

If this isn't the case (as with my sis) she always used to read books to her older son whilst bf'ing her daughter.

I was amazed at the differences between my two dcs, so you may find that your newborn feeds beautifully and is not distracted at all! My first dc was quite distracted and I used to have to go somewhere quiet to feed him...even when I switched to bottle feeding. My dd is such a different child in every way! She tends to ignore my 3 year olds boisterous noises most of the time...and only pulls away from the breast to check things out if Im shouting or talking loudly aswell as ds. I think dd is used to loud noises, as they do hear it all in womb! The only time it is an issue is when shes trying to nap...she cant drop off if hes running round like a lunatic downstairs! But I dug out a white noise cd, so put that on when shes sleeping and she cant hear a thing from downstairs! Someone gave me some advice regarding what to do with a toddler or preschooler whilst your breastfeeding...as sometimes they suddenly demand your attention when you sit down to breastfeed! They said to set up a quite activity...for example, fill a jar/tub with coloured buttons...and get them to sort the out into colours for you (make it sound like a job, or something you need help with...like 'could you do this for me?') You would know what would work for your dc. Alternatively you could stick on a video!? That may keep dc1 quiet for 30 mins!

I have happy memories of bf dd2 while reading a story to dd1 who was sitting next to me on the sofa. Once, when dd2 slid off the breast, dd1 said "other side"!

Generally, things are so different with No 2; all the problems I had with dd1 didn't seem to occur, and there were a whole set of brand new unanticipated problems instead.

Ds is 9.5 months at moment and still bfeeds a couple of times during the day. He does get distracted, but not too often by his big sister as he is so used to her. (although today coming right up to him and putting her face in his did curtail the feed a little soon!) I don't remember having too many problems in the early days, dd just got used to it fairly early on and accepted it, and I think that when she is at home she is a fairly high maintenace child in general. We potty trained while ds was about 4 - 5 months or so and although there were some interesting moments it was not too bad. I think that second children just have to accept that some of their breastfeeds will stop a bit sooner than they would like them too! So far I have actually managed 4 months longer than I did last time, so it can't be too bad.

Have found it fine b-feeding DS2, he is 7 months now.
Found breastfeeding easier generally this time round, as I knew what to expect and my milk came in quicker and seemed more plentiful.
Great advice from mumof2pixies re keeping your older child amused. Also agree on reading to toddler while you are feeding.
I think second children are generally more easy going as thats the way it has to be.

I agree with all the posters here- ds1 was v diff to feed - only text book positions and quiet would do. Ds2 was fed in the back of cars all the time (I would just lean over and stick my boob in while dh was driving.) dd1 (our third) spent the first week of her life bf while I was unpacking boxes after a house move. it does get easier and you are much stronger with your second as you are already used to hefting a toddler about, so you can walk around bf easily. (and it does get rid of jehovah's witnesses quickly - I have to say though, CBeebies has always played a major part of our life during BF and I don't care - it's now hardly on at all. IME, the less time I had to worry about BF the easier it was. Good luck, hon.

Found it hard bf dd2 as dd1 was only one and a half and needed so much attention, and got jealous when I was feeding her sister. Got further with third baby, but he's been the most distractable and from about 4 months on he was constantly pulling off and refusing to feed because he wanted to see what his sisters were up to. Ended up bottle feeding in public/toddler groups etc cos was only way I could get him to feed. Have just given up bf at 7 months as he really wasn't very bothered but I;m glad I got that far, much further than I have before. It can be hard, but you'll work it out.

oooh, don't you just love that stage when they look out of the window at a cat and take your nipple with them....!

I managed to BF DD1 for 11 weeks but kept going with DD2 until she was over 9 months - stoppped for medical reasons.

DD2 was a far more difficult baby than DD1 but despite the 'challenges' BF was far easier the second time round. My DD1 was very jealous and did everything to try and distract DD2 when BF but it didn't work. When DD2 was hungry she drank and when she wasn't she had entertainment on tap. I think second children are very used to loud background noise - they have probably known nothing else since before they were born with a toddler around.

Everything is much easier second time round IME the worst bit is the panicking about how you'll cope with two before DC2 arrives.

Thamks for your replies, ladies!

I mean thanks .