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

[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!

[tellytubby]

Sammy - In regards to the snacks. I keep a bowl of washed fruit in the bottom of the fridge, along with bottles of water (old poptop juice bottles). DD knows if she's hungry or thirsty, she can help herself. Its been the best thing i've ever done! No more getting up half way between a breastfeed to get her a drink etc.

hth!

[MantaRay]

Sammy. It is really hard in the beginning when you are juggling a baby and a toddler. It really is exhausting. I hate putting time frames on things, because it's not the same for everyone, but it does get better. Your DS is still very little, soon he will be feeding much quicker and that will make things easier. You will also find that your two little ones will start to work around each other a bit, so that one is happy to play while the other is feeding, and if you are lucky they well might sleep at the same time during the day to give you a break or a chance to get other things done. It takes some time for a "routine" for want of a better word, to fall into place, but it does happen. Then when the baby is a bit bigger, they will entertain each other for a while too so that it is actually easier most of the time with two than with one.

So hang in there hun. I know you are doing it really tough right now but you will get through this. It is worth it

[Laranna]

Sammy, hang in there chick, you're doing a fab job We've been going through the same thing and it's slowly getting better. At first DS acted up a lot whenever I sat down to feed DD. He still does sometimes, but I think I am becoming more aware of being prepared for it. ABC2 has been a lifesaver in our house too. Rather than just plonk him in front of the TV, I sit on the couch feeding DD and I chat to DS about what's happening in the show (Play School, Larry Lawnmower, etc, etc) and encourage him to get up and dance/do actions.

Otherwise, we go sit outside and I sit and feed DD while DS plays in the backyard. I still chat to him about what he's doing. Can he pick me some flowers? How about mow the lawn or dig some dirt into his wheelbarrow, etc... I find that chatting to him about what he's doing keeps him happy, he seems to respond better that mummy can be involved with him and DD at the same time.

With the snacks, I do the same as tellytubby, leave fruit easily accessible in the fridge and he has several water filled drink bottles, in the fridge, on the table etc so he can help himself.

What I found also helped me with the cluster feeding (DD was doing it twice a day as well) was as soon as DS goes down for his nap, I went and laid down on the bed with DD and let her feed feed feed. I got to have a bit of a snooze which really, really helped get through the rest of the day. DD would fall asleep and I would get up and let her finish her nap on the bed. We still do this, I'll take as much sleep as I can get!

But as hard as it is not to, try not to stress, you are doing really well