not enjoying it as much this time round - bit of a vent!

[Arimeh]

Its not easy when you mix a toddler with a newborn!

I don't know much about bfing (was never successful) but keeping the toddler entertained whilst feeding is a problem we all face. I use books to entertain, or put on a dvd for them, or go outside and feed and watch them play or put music on and they dance to it (DD1 is nearly the same age as yours and she loves dancing!), or she'll get her dolly and bottle and feed it at the same time... just have to have plenty of things nearby to entertain and you can feed your baby without too much drama. Oh - and snacks - definitely snacks!

ETA: Just thought of another thing - DS and DD1 absolutely love watching old videos of themselves when they were younger - keeps them entertained for ages!

[boomba]

Oh hun its really hard when you are alone wiht both kids hey
I suggest trying to get DD to do an activity that doesnt really require you tp participate just watch while your feed...just unitll she kinda gets used to it...its really tough on the older one I think but they will ok.
Keep it up hun...it wont be long and this feeding routine will be finshed and you will be onto a differnt one x

[chepie]

oh sweetie I could have written that exact same post!!! The first month was a blur.... Aiden acted out a bit because I couldn't give him all the attention... So I would sit in his room while I fed Charlotte and play trains with him!! As ackward as that was it helped.. I also would put a DVD on for him or get him to sit with me while I read a book... I gave him a teddy so that he could give it 'boobie milk too!'.... then eventually once we all got used to each other it became easier and Aiden is alot more settled..

You are doing an awesome job .... it is harder second time round but you will find your groove and will have more 'better days' xxx I promise

[tellytubby]

oh no
Those first weeks with a toddler and a newborn are definately the toughest.
I found that my DD LIVED on playdough, haha! It was one thing that she never seemed to get sick of, so as soon as DS would start his cluster feeds, I'd pull out the playdough and let her go nuts! She really enjoyed it. Messy as hell, but it gave her soemthing fun to do while boring ol' mum sat on the couch and watched.
I also try and keep books out, so if she wants, she can bring me a book, sit next to me, and we read a book together.

Don't feel bad for wanting to give up, i'm sure we all have our moments
Sending you big warm fuzzy hugs. You're doing an incredible job. You are an incredible mother.

xx

[SammyRo]

Thanks girls! I know it will get easier, guess I just needed to vent and get the negative feeelings out there.

I have been trying to be organised with snacks ready for DD before DS needs a feed, but that doesn't always work! I can keep her entertained if it was only one feed every couple of hours, but yesterday it seemed like I didn't move off the couch for over 2 hours! And that was when we struggled. I do have books handy for DD to bring me, and I've had ABC2 on nonstop which also makes me feel guilty because I hate having the TV on all day.

Didn't think about the playdough - will have to try that! DD loves it!

[boomba]

I've had ABC2 on nonstop which also makes me feel guilty because I hate having the TV on all day

We do too sometimes and I know I did when DS2 was littler....do what makes it easy hun...your doing a great job!
I put DS1 in the highchair to play his playdough that way I know its not being hidden somewhere or smeaed onto anything :P

[Deedles]

I am also worried about how to give DS1 attention when DH is at work and I am B/feeding.
DS2 has a bit of an unsettled tummy and I feel like I am always feeding him. Luckily DS1 only found it hard when I B/F at the beginning and doesn't try to pull DS2 off my boob any more.
ABC2 has been a lifesaver and although I know it is bad for them to watch too much t.v, I at least know he is learning a lot from some of the shows.

I have found though that my 2 yr old DS loves sticker books also and will sit there for quite a while picking and putting the stickers on and off the pages. I know it may sound a bit silly but we also got him a toy baby and when I am feeding DS2 he sometimes sits next to me and pretends to feed it. He really likes it and when he has had enough I get him to show me where the babies nose is or arm etc.
I know how hard it is but we are strong mothers!! Just do what you can and remember your an amazing mum!