TMI question and BF a baby with a sibling around

Maebb · September 2014

Hi - I'm due with baby boy #2 in January and trying to make sure everything is prepared. I attempted to BF DS1 and had supply issues throughout. I am going to try again with this one.

First a TMI question - I am 21 weeks pregnant and not producing any kind of milk or colostrum yet (which is fine), but I notice that I had little hard dried-up things on my nipples. I don't know how to explain it other than something like a blackhead or just little hard bits of dried-up milk. I can squeeze/scrape them off my nipples in the shower, but then they're back in a few days. Should I just leave it or continue to clean it? My concern is that the baby will get it when he nurses for the first time, and it seems gross.

Now that that's out of the way - I did lots of research on BF before and know the general tips, but should I be doing anything now to try to preemptively boost my supply, or is there not really anything to do until the baby is born? I do plan to speak to the LCs at the hospital and all the things like skin-to-skin, nurse early and often on demand, drink lots of water, etc.

Any tips for how to keep a 2 year old entertained while I'm nursing the baby? I almost wonder if I should send him to daycare because I don't know how it's going to work with trying to keep up with him and also be nursing around the clock. He will not sit still and watch a movie or color or things like that for more than 30 seconds at a time. He's very "into everything" and always wanting to be active. I can try baby wearing while nursing or maybe using baby gates to keep DS1 confined to the room that I'm in so I can keep an eye on him. Other tips? TIA.

LunaBug924 · September 2014

I had the same kind of crusty discharge on my nips in the later half of my pregnancy. I was never able to hand express any colostrum until DD was born, but I'm pretty sure that's what that is. I would just continue to keep it clean as best you can. Don't worry about the ick factor for your LO just yet, as it's likely to change between now and then anyway. I can't say I noticed it when I was nursing for the first time.

I don't have any advice on your other concerns, but best of luck to you!

TheBorg7of9 · September 2014

What movies do you try to show him. I watched Mickey Mouse clubhouse. We really like the pacing and lessons. And they encourage the kids to get up and dance and the end. You could have a special toy that's just for when you're breastfeeding. Does he like puzzles?

TheBorg7of9 · September 2014

My son loves educational videos on YouTube

pttr84 · September 2014

Does your son normally go to daycare? When my son was born we continued to send my daughter to daycare while I was on maternity leave. I felt guilty about it at first but it was really the best for both kids, my daughter stayed in her routine and it gave her some normalcy and my son got one-on-one time with me. Having DD in daycare saved our sanity, especially in the beginning when there is so little sleep so I could try and nap when the baby napped.

Maebb · September 2014

He does normally go to daycare. The problem is that the daycare is close to my work, which is an hour from where I live, so it wouldn't be convenient to take him when I'm on maternity leave, not to mention the added expense. But - if I just find it impossible to handle him and the new baby, that may be an option. Also, my mom is about 45 minutes from me, and she may also be able to help, but I want to figure out a good long-term solution.

Right now, DS will not sit and watch any movie or do any activity for more than a few minutes. He will do puzzles and other activities, but just not for a long time. Even for a new movie, TV show, or toy, he just plays for a little bit and then wants to move on to the next thing. He's 21 months now, and maybe by 25 months it will be different, but right now he just has a very short attention span.

I think for now, I will get a few new toys and activities that he can do in the room with me, and then just try to keep him contained and entertained. He does like trains, buses, tractors, and other transportation items, so maybe I can try a new movie or educational YouTube about that. Thanks again for the suggestions.

kellyfo14 · September 2014

I agree about making a safe close space to you. The way our house is set up I was able to have a couple gates up and keep my 17 month old (at the time) in one space. It won't take long for him to "get it". You will quickly learn what works and doesn't for you.

nebraska84 · September 2014

My son wanted to be near me while I nursed DS2, so he would sit by a look at books or I would read to him (he was 2 when DS2 was born) I had 'special' toys that only came out when I nursed, like this big playmat and cars and special books. It was actually easier then I thought, but I did learn to put the gate up at the stairs b/c DS1 would climb them and head upstairs.

Designermomma · September 2014

You have some great tips there. Another bit of advice to add is keep some snacks/juice out handy that your toddler could serve themselves while you are preoccupied. DS1 was very curious about what I was doing and did a Q&A while I fed baby. I kept him busy by asking for help to being me water or keep track of the time for me or bring a blanket when he was bored with his game etc. I also tried reading him a book.

mcgeeva · September 2014

All the things your talking about with the nips is normal. I guess it is hard because it's before your milk comes in yet your body must produce something at that point.

As far as keeping up supply. When your lo comes you just feed on demand when your home. My two boys are 2 years and 2 months apart. There was no way to keep my 2 year old occupied and my husband traveled after my lo came. I would be playing basketball with one hand while breastfeeding the other. It just became natural to multitask with a baby at the boob. You will do fine!!! If I was having a really tough day, I would let me toddler watch some mickey mouse or sesame street which I never did before the second came. But sometimes you just need a break.

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