How do you/will you handle nursing an infant while having your toddler running around?

ChelleM

I'm a little nervous about this.  Nursing DD#1 was so nice and relaxing, once I got the hang of it of course.  I remember resting and watching TV while DD nursed and dozed.  I can't imagine having to chase her around while I'm nursing this time.  I want my baby to be able to relax while she eats.

I'm a little nervous that my oldest will be jealous of the baby nursing... if she understands it at all.

Anyway, if you've already been through this, how did it go?  And if you haven't expereienced it yet, how do you plan to keep your oldest... contained, so to speak, while you nurse?

jkelly41

Honestly, the TV is my biggest help.  Nothing else will keep my DS occupied while I nurse DD.  I tried books, coloring, puzzles, but he would lose interest.  He now sits next to me and watches TV while I nurse. 

He never gets jealous- he likes to pat her head.  I just explain that it's DD's turn to eat.

 

cari12

Ditto the PP, the TV is a great distraction for when I need to nurse. Our condo is also totally baby-proofed so I don't need to worry about her if she runs out of my line of vision. Usually she's totally fine to sit and watch an episode of Blues Clues or the Wiggles (her favorite shows) while I feed. We've never had jealousy issues, she's come over and watched and pointed curiously a few times but hasn't tried to interfere. I also only BF'd DD1 to 3-4 months so it's not something she remembers.

trinny

I found nursing while sitting on the floor helps or just explaining that it is DS's turn and it will be her turn next.  Sometimes I even say "OK, let me put bro in the bouncy chair"  Then she'll want to get in the bouncy chair instead! 

The only sign of 'jealousy' is DD will often ask her dad to feed her her milk in a sippy when I'm nursing DS at the dinner table.  But she doens't throw a fit that it isn't me.

I think in this aspect, 2u2 is actually easier.  No jealousy at all.  GL!

Echowysp

I guess I don't have any problems with it.  I just nurse and chat away with ds or watch him play.  Sometimes he sits next to me on the couch, but most of the time, it's me sitting while nursing and him playing. 

roundtheworldgirl

Being honest ... it's really hard.  DD1 isn't really into TV yet.  And no matter how engrossed she is in a snack or a toy, the minute she sees me nursing, she comes up and wants to be held.  I end up spending half my nursing time also balancing DD1 on my knee.  She's definitely a bit jealous.  I'm hoping it will get better ...