The BH self-help thread # 1

[BabelFish]

Ok, so I thought I'd start a self-help thread series :p

It's purely selfish, I need lots of advice on this issue!

But then I thought it would be good to have some threads that address specific issues that people can input lots of experience and advice in.

Anyone can start one, with anything they want advice from lots of sources on.

(I hope this is ok, btw!!).

The topic of this thread:

What on earth to do with toddler when newborn is feeding?

Help! So far, I've never been alone with DD and DS at the same time. Either DP or Mum has been here to help.

She is 18 months old, extremely bright and curious, very independent and very capable. Capable of getting into a whole world of mischief if I can't watch her :D

She's just learning how to play and concentrate on something for longer periods of time - but videos etc are out. She doesn't watch much tv and tends to lose interest.

She is not too demanding but DS takes up to two hours to feed and settle at the moment, which is pretty unfair on her.

I'm dreading our first days alone because I just can see the issues rising up in front of me.

What have you guys done for your toddler (younger or older toddler) when you are breastfeeding your newborn? ANY and ALL advice welcome and appreciated!

[Myztiks#1Fan]

well i dont have a baby and a toddler however maybe can she draw some pictures of you feeding bub? can you both read a book together. she holds it and you listen to her read or you read to her and she turns the pages over? maybe painting?

i really got no idea tbh but hope something comes up soon :yes:

[Cordelia]

She will learn very quickly that mummy is not wholly available during feeding time (seeing as they happen so often!!) I thought it would be a big issue but it wasn't really. (DH was home for the first 3 weeks - I was lucky that he could distract her after the initial investigating what was going on!)

We loved dorothy the dinosaur DVD and special snacks for DD while I was feeding DS. After a few weeks she would just wander off to do her own thing and know that I would make it up to her later.

[NonnyMouse]

Reading to her during the feed is what I'd suggest (although I haven't yet had a toddler and baby to deal with).

Get her to turn the pages for you. You can turn it into special "family" time where baby gets bonding and closeness through the feeds, and your other little one gets quality time with you at the same time.

When mine is due I'll be tandem feeding.... gawd know how I'm going to wrangle THAT one! LOL

[SuperGranny]

hi Chesby, I had a toddler when I had twins. I first had to secure the house, he could only be in the few rooms that I knew he was safe. A barrier at the staircase, and all electrical things well out of reach. I would read to him, he would find the books, and get a pillow ready, while I got the girls ready to feed, then we would sit on the floor with my back against the wall and read a few books. I never fed for longer then 20 minutes, so we didnt have to sit for hours. If he got bored with the story books, he would go and get some lego and bring it to me. So he was pretty much alongside me most of the time, dont remember any problems. Marie.

[UmmInayah]

bub never fed for more than 20 mins in the beginning, from what i remember, and yes, i would put on her favourite show on youtube and feed baby.

hopefulyl when your baby is a little older he won't feed for as long and you will have more time.

really don't have any other advice, but i feel for you..