toddler + constantly b/feeding newborn - how does it work?

[Liz79]

DS is 2 weeks old today, DH has been brilliant and has done absolutely everything for our 2yo DD and the house and has done all the cooking etc. DS is a big lad and has done nothing but feed very frequently since the minute he was born, totally different from last time. DH back to work on Tuesday and I am crapping myself about coping with 2 of them. We need some sort of system. Not into routine per se, but some kind of loose routine is required

Cbeebies
a sling
a box of snacks and a drink ready for your toddler when you sit down to feed
a story book you can read on your knee whilst feeding

Make a flask up and sandwiches for yourself in the morning

get out of the house at least once per day

forget the housework

it does pass - this is the hardest bit but it does settle down

oh, and if your DD still has a nap can you then feed your baby laying down so you can also get a rest?

Hi Liz

No advice here, DD2 is 3 weeks old (DD1 20 months) and we have had the same, although it seems to be cluster feeding but between 5pm and 9pm, which is when I'm trying to feed/bath and settle DD1.

The only thing I can say is that the past few days have been a lot easier and DD2 seems to be going longer between feeds. So hopefully she's settling into a routine. Fingers crossed this happens for you too.

I'll watch this thread for any other advice!

Good luck

Congratulations Liz!

I have 4 month twins & 21 month dd & I did ebf for the 1st 3 months. The 1st 6wks were very stressful trying to entertain dd1 whilst constantly breastfeeding. It did start to settle down after that but I did crack & give a ff at bedtime so dp can help. Hopefully some of the things i've tried might help you
I found that cbeebies is good for a quick fix distraction but I sit on the floor to feed 1 armed so I can play with dd1 IYSWIM?
building towers/crayons/reading books etc & now its warm I try & sit outside whilst she runs around.
Also I try & get her involved by getting things- nappies/wipes/bib etc
Lunches have been simple like sandwich & fruit or beans on toast & dp would sort out tea when he got in. Bathtime was really stressful until I started bathing all 3 together - would your dd mind sharing? stay up one end while you wash ds? The water distracted my very hungry ds from a bit of his cluster feed & gave me time to sort out dd1
The best advice i was given was that the housework will always be there but these moments will not. - keep repeating to self when drowning in washing

wow well done frumpy. Can't imagine having twins as well as a toddler, well done for bfeeding them!

I'm not very good at feeding 1 handed, have big norks so need to support myself with one hand and DS with the other. Can sometimes let go for a sec if I position everything well to start with.

DS not feeding ALL the time now, he's spreading it out a bit so I'm getting a bit more sleep and will hopefully be able to give DD some attention, she will be heartbroken when her daddy goes back to work.

Thanks for all your suggestions, I have a box of toys ready that will come out on Tuesday. I think Cbeebies and crayons really will be my best friends soon.