BF with a toddler to entertain - how did you do it?

[Lewis's Mummy]

Hi. I'm a little way off needing to actually DO anything about this one, but it's been on my mind of late. How the heck do you manage to find the time to relax and sit to feed a baby when you have a very busy and active toddler to keep amused at the same time? It was tricky first time around getting through the first couple of months, but this time I'll have a busy little man who likes to play, run, paint etc. I know I'll be able to read with him or watch tv with him for some feeds, but what about the rest? Esp given how often younger babies feed... please tell me how you managed it!

[AndiE]

My DS1 was almost 21 months when DS2 was born, so I have an idea how you are probably feeling. I had some help for the first 3 weeks of DS2's life as my parents were staying with us ... but after that it was a bit of learning curve.

But you know what ... somehow it works

I find that DS1 often wants me to read him a book while I'm BFing ... which is ok although can sometimes be a tad awkward depending on which side of me DS1 wants to sit. My other "tricks" are to (a) give DS1 something to eat which distracts him for a few minutes; (b) have something on the telly that he's vaguely interested in - he's not a huge telly watcher but is often distracted by it for 5 or so minutes and (c) get him playing with a toy he likes. My last resort () is to get the vaccum or broom out just before I BF - for some barmy reason my DS1 is a cleaning nut and he'll happily "vaccum" or "sweep" for 15-20 mins, which covers DS2's BFing.

Also, I find DS2 doesn't take long to BF compared to DS1 - I'm told that can be quite normal when there's not a big gap BFing your children (8 months in my case) - apparently second time round is a lot quicker.

As for relaxing, well ... not sure that I really relax 100pc when feeding DS2 because I'm generally busy making sure my toddler isn't getting up to too much mischief. He's active though fortunately not too much of a raging cyclone.

Good luck and try not to worry too much in the lead up to your next bub. It was certainly one thing that caused me a little concern but I've found that actually doing it is much easier than what I expected it would be.

[Lolli]

at the sweeping andi.

Yeah, as andi said, it somehow just works. Books, snacks 9like boxes of sultanas) and good old tv (hello, Bob the builder) worked wonders here. Ds was 21 months when dd was born. it gets easier the further in you get- the feeds get shorter and attachment isn't as tricky. Just go with the flow- i remember feeling awful about ds watching tv every time I fed dd the first couple of weeks, till I clicked that it wasn't going to be this was forever- it was just surivial tactics till we got back on our feet.

HTH

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

The same challenges apply regardless of how you feed your baby. Toddlers are busy and demanding and babies are time consuming! At least when you are breastfeeding you have a spare hand. Relaxing is nice - but not essential to breastfeeding. With a little practice mums get quite adept at walking around the house breastfeeding whilst sorting out your toddlers needs. A good baby sling such as ABA's simplicity sling is an essential.
ABA also has a great booklet -" your toddler and your new baby". For $5 it's definately worth a read

[Lewis's Mummy]

My last resort () is to get the vaccum or broom out just before I BF - for some barmy reason my DS1 is a cleaning nut and he'll happily "vaccum" or "sweep" for 15-20 mins, which covers DS2's BFing.

lol I have a cleaning nut too! So will definitely keep that one in mind! I can't vacuum or sweep without being told 'no mummy, me do, my turn!'

[AndiE]

Ha ha, how much do you want to bet that by the time they're in their teens they're allergic to the vaccum cleaner!

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

I am going through it at the moment and you honestly just learnt to deal... DD1 is nearly 17mths old and is a climber, the other day i was feeding in the lounge, she was a little quiet so i came out with bubs still attached under 1 arm to find DD1 ON MY DINING TABLE!

I have a ring sling and REALLY need to figure out how to use it, it would come in handy to feed and chase DD1 at the same time.

1 thing i have found though is DD1 doesn't seem to be jealous, while i feed it actually tends to be that she is happy to occupy herself, she sits and pretends to read her books, we have given her a doll in a pram and she walks it around the lounge.
When i burp DD2 she comes up, moves my hand and taps her on the back and then gets the cloth and wipes her mouth. and it's the most gorgeous thing i have seen.

If we are out and i have to feed she WONT sit still in a pram so i find a parents room that has the toys or an area she can be 'locked' in and she just plays and i might as well not be there!

[Liviam]

Like the girls have said it just happens and you will be amazed at what you can do when you are b/f #2. DD decided to TT when DS was born so poor DS was dragged to the potty so many times during feeds (DD's way to get my attention too). I used to get a big bowl of fruit ready in the morning for DD and then would get that out for her and a drink of water before I would start a feed, I would pop in the night garden on the telly, she also liked me to read her books which I really enjoyed as she would sit between my legs and read to me and DS. Another one of her favourites was to "help" me feed. She would tell DS it was time for a feed, lift up my shirt, undo my bra and shove his head at my breast telling him "mulk time". It really did only take a few weeks and she would start to entertain herself during feeds. DS was and still is a super quick feeder so I didn't need to entertain her for long.
As for relaxing during a b/f I loved the overnight feeds when it was just me and DS up so we would snuggle under a blanket together and have a beautiful feed and that special time. I love my night feeds. I actually think maz started a whole thread about them.
Good luck when #2 arrives.