Does anyone have any advice please?

[Frangipani]

Hi Leigh,
Good on you for giving BF'ing another go. I silently struggled alot with DS1, ended up using shields the whole 11months- but always felt like i was struggling. But with DS2, it has been so much easier. Its like he knew what to do (moreso then DS1 anyway) and i felt like all the info that confused me with DS1 just kinda all 'just made sense' all of a sudden. I will admit the first 2weeks i was still adjusting and getting frustrated when DS2 wouldn't latch properly, and was about to organise a lactation consultant- but then i started to relax and things just fell into place- and in glad i did.

I also just thought i'd share my experience too in regards to feeding with your other children around and at that hectic time in the arvo.

My DH works til 6.30-7pm (sometimes later) so my evenings are pretty hectic too. I found preparing meals during the day helped alot- like using the slow cooker alot or cutting up vegies while arvo sleeps were happening. Also i had meals i'd made and stored in the freezer (like spaghetti bols). Or try to make meals with little fuss (mexican meals and stir frys). But you'll find having your other children will (well hopefully like my DS1- who was 20months when DS2 was born)- be helpful at either entertaining bubs (DS1 only has to be playing next to DS2 to keep him amused- DS2 just can't stop looking and smiling at DS2). But i still had some challenging moments where i'd find myself BF'ing whilst stirring dinner and singing for DS1. Plus Wiggles and Ds1's other favourite movies were and still are a saviour.

As for baths- i only bath DS2 every 2nd day still- and i do it with DS1, usually early arvo- as i'd find sometimes DS2 would wear himself out and then sleep for an hour or so- making dinner time so much easier too. Sometimes i would also try to do baths when DH is around (in my case i waited til DH got home, or do it in the mornings on a weekend).

Just remember not too stress to much about it all- you can only do what you can do (and forget about housework- it can wait). Take things one day at a time.

Goodluck with it all...i hope it all works out perfectly for you.

ETA- i forgot to mention that whilst feeding DS2 not only do i sometimes rely on TV, but also i get DS1 involved like i ask him to pass me my water, get me a cloth or tissue. He always seems very proud to have 'helped'. I also found he was very fascinated with it all and quite often would just watch. It was so funny- a couple of times when DS2 would cry then, DS1 would go over, lift up his top, look down at his chest and try to lean into DS2 all with a concentrating look on his face like 'how do i do this'. Its was so cute.