how did you handle breastfeeding with a needy toddler at home?

sdrake

i'm being discharged from the hospital in a few hours and really nervous about the fact that this new baby will comfortably nurse for almost an hour-granted, I realize she's only 2 days old, but for now, i'll need to deal with this. My 19 month old can barely stand to not have my attention just while I go brush my teeth for 2 minutes so I'm really worried about juggling this. my husband will be home only for the first few days with me so that will help, but after that, i'm nervous.

LDQAM516

Our toddler is not really needy, but definitely wanted out attention those first few days...I just made a point to talk to him while I was nursing...I would even get down to his level while he was playing...even though I was uncomfortable...have your DH keep him entertained as well or have him sit next to you while you feed...I would always tell our son that the baby was getting its juice or num num from mommy...he would just sit there gazing at the baby.

howleyshell

You'll figure out tricks that work for you!

Things that worked for us:

Reading to the toddler, singing, doing ABC's, counting.

I would sit on the couch, put my feet up on the coffee table, sing "London Bridge" and trap him between my legs and move them back and forth at the "lock him up" part.

For nursing in the baby's room at nap time we had a box of quiet toys so he could sit at my feet and play.  Turns out that a box of shoes I was sorting thru turned out to be one of his favorite things.

You'll end up figuring out how to nurse on the move.  I played soccer in the living room with the toddler while the baby was latched on the breast.

It's no where near as relaxing and bonding as it was with the first but the up side is that I came to cherish our middle of the night nursing sessions because it was the only time I was able to fully focus on the baby.

GL!

You'll find your groove before you know it! 

kada626

we did reading, singing, and flashcards when we first starting. After awhile, your older dc won't care.

shouldbworkin

I was not alone with both kids for a good week after #2 was born, so that helped.  Even in week 2, #1 was gone most of the day.  I just told myself that no matter what, #2 needed to eat and #1 was going to have to learn how to deal.  I tried as much as I could to feed #2 when #1 was napping or otherwise occupied, even if it meant a feed was a little early.  I always had the hooter hider with me so that I could nurse when we were out and about.  I always had a snack for #1 so that I could keep him busy in the stroller if I needed to nurse while we were out.  Sometimes I'd have to pull the car over and nurse in the backseat while #1 was in his car seat.  I used the boppy a lot and if #1 wanted attention, I encouraged him to pick out a book and come sit next to me.  After I had #2 latched on, I had at least 1 hand free to hold a book and put an arm around #1. 

Telyco

Not that it helps you now - but may help others....I worked with DS on playing by himself for a while before the baby was actually here. He is very content with it now..he'll come up and want me to kiss him on the head or something - but for the most part he's on his own. During the rough patches, I'll sing, read, throw pillows at him and he'll wrestle with them for a while, tickle him with my feet.

I also time it so that I nurse while DS is napping, and before he gets up. I have had to let him play in his crib for a little bit while I finish.

flgator

thanks for the tips. I'm going to need them soon.