Okay, you’ve brought home your newest sweet little one. You’re thinking that breastfeeding will be SO much easier this time, because you nursed your first baby. While I sincerely hope this is the case for you, it definitely wasn’t for me. My two oldest boys are only 19 months apart, so my oldest son still needed attention when I was nursing my second little boy. It made it more stressful because I felt a need to rush through each feeding so that my older boy could have interaction, too! It was certainly a struggle at first, but we got through it and I nursed him for around 10 months. I hope some of my suggestions work for you!
1.) My very first tip is to pick a nursing spot in your home. I always nursed in the same chair, and I think that helped the boys get used to what was happening, because it was a clear sign that I would be occupied.
2.) Once you are feeling ready for visitors, invite them over! For us, baby #1 was a breeze but #2 rocked our world. We needed help and there is no shame in asking your family and friends to help you out! Simply having another person to play with your older baby while you nurse can be a Godsend.
3.) My oldest son loved and still loves to read. I had some of his books memorized. When I needed to nurse the baby, I would sit in our red rocking chair and my son would hop onto the couch next to us. I would lean over and rest my hand holding the board book on the arm of the couch. I would “read” (recite from memory) the books to him that way. Weird, but it worked for us!
4.) Hey, I’m honest: we watched Sesame Street. Obviously you can’t watch a show EVERY time the baby needs to nurse, but once every couple of days or even every day was our norm!
5.) Since I used to teach preschool, I know give or take a bajillion songs. I sang so many of them over and over. I also love to sing old Disney songs, or even just pop songs that are sweet and fun. That being said, my singing talents are not anything to write home about, but it IS engaging with my kids, so I do it anyway!
6.) Mamas get hungry when they are nursing and kids love snacks, so handing your child a snack is a win-win. My favorite snack to give was probably pretzels, because they weren’t too messy so he could eat them on the couch or floor and I didn’t worry about getting out the vacuum. (Ain’t nobody got time for that!)
7.) Open-ended toys are great developmentally for kids, but are also wonderful because they can basically play with them indefinitely as they keep finding new things to do. Gather some of your best open-ended toys and let them play, talking with them to help them stay engaged. (I’m thinking blocks, generic cars, generic dolls, instruments, kitchen tools)
8.) I was blessed that both of my younger sons were born right after big gift holidays and my older kids had literally just gotten a bundle of new toys. Obviously you can’t just go out and buy new toys, you have a new baby to spend money on! Maybe look for one or two new things that are highly engaging, or even borrow some things from a friend. (Moms are pros at getting rid of toys, trust me, any mom will be happy to remove toys from her house!)
Lastly, this issue of trying to balance both little one’s needs seemed to even out over time. Your older one will slowly understand that you aren’t available (in some ways) while you are nursing. It is good for them to learn how to occupy themselves. No one can be distracted or entertained 24/7. Good luck, mama, you got this! If you already experienced this and have advice to share, please leave a comment!
This is literally the only photo I could find with me nursing! This is baby #2 eating while his big brother is distracted by Grandma.
Great tips! It took practice, but I got really good at nursing with a baby carrier. It helped to be hands free and/or mobile for many feedings, especially with my other boys at home.