anyone breastfeeding a new baby with a toddler to look after?

[Lynds77]

I am worried how to cope with it this time. My girl is 18mnths just now and very active!

I have a caboo wrap to use and hoping to get the hang of breastfeeding using that so my hands are free for the toddler. Is it even possible to be walking about doing stuff and bf a baby at the same time?

I have hubby home for 1st 2 weeks so I am hoping we get over the initial cluster feeds quickly, but from my memory week 3 is the worst week!

Last time I bf and expressed but no way would I have time to be doing both this time. Especially as my toddler isnt a good sleeper and still doesnt sleep through the night

Any tips would be appreciated! X

 

[kedi376]

I have no advice I'm struggling with my 3 week old and a 17 month old. That's while oh is at home. He goes back to work tomorrow and I'm scared!

I wasn't able to breastfeed my first so this is all new to me and it's hard work.


Xxxxxx

 

[Lynds77]

I only managed 3 weeks with my 1st, I had loads of problems and last straw was nothing but blood coming from my nipples. Bolk.

I found it hard enough then, let alone this time. Good luck x

 

[jennyfur]

I have a 23 month DS1 and am currently bf 7 week old twin boys; I was so so worried about how it would work but it's actually been fine! I tandem feed DS2/3 so I'm pretty much tied to the sofa during feeds but I've just tried to involve DS1: explained to him why the babies are crying, letting him help by stroking them and bringing me muslins etc. I've also relied a lot on reading stories upside down with the books propped on my knees and on cBeebies! that's not to say that it works all the time, sometimes DS1 ends up in the playpen and there are tears all round but that was more in the beginning, he's adjusted to it well. Good luck!

 

[Belfast girl]

At the start my eldest was 19 months when my youngest was born. We are still feeding 13 months later!!
I'm not going to lie, it was hard. But it's totally doable. At the start we did rely on the iPad and our phones which I hated but after the first few weeks we were able to phase that out and replaced with story time and cuddles.
Feeds do get shorter after about 6 weeks and then it's easier!
And I guess I know that if at anytime it stopped working for us as a family there is an alternative!

 

[twinkles]

You can do it!
B is 19 months and I'm Bf R who's 10 days now....
Honestly B hasn't fussed once over me feeding, I show her what time doing and make sure there's plenty for her to play with, lots of toys to hand, she plays on aqua doodle for ages, just water so no mess! Our iPad she has loads of games on that she plays on, or even pop the tv on, she was watching a wildlife programme the other day while I fed!!! And you will be surprised what u can do with a baby attached!!! Had to feed B her dinner with R on boob at the same time tonight!! Honestly you will be fine, just don't stress!!!! X

 

[BevG]

its totally possible, a moby wrap or ringsling make feeding on the move easier too and a box of toys just for when your feeding can be a great help. luckily alyssa plays with her toys happily while i feed, she was 18 months when poppy came along and there were times when there were tears cos someone had to wait for attention and there were times i was bf poppy while alyssa cuddled me too lol. you muddle thru and its not easy but after the first 6 weeks of bf it does get much quicker and easier

 

[Lynds77]

I really hope we crack it this time! There is a lot more support in my area now with peer groups etc that wasnt available last time and I have not put the same amount of pressure on myself this time either so it should be a much better experience.

I just hope Freya copes with it well!.

Thanks girls x

 

[knopk@]

I have 19 months difference between my boys and its doable, once you crack it, much easier than bottles

 

[BunnyN]

LO turned 1 and I got a BFP this week so I am following this thread. LO is still BFing and the plan is to tandem feed, lets see how it goes .

 

[BunnyN]

By the way I had a bobba wrap with #1 and used it to feed her a lot. It worked well. I didn't have it until after the first couple of molnths so not sure how the newborn stage would have worked but when I did start using it it was a lifesaver!