How can I keep my 3 year old entertained while breastfeeding his baby brother?
For those of you who have breastfed and have another child. I am 36 weeks pregnant with our 2nd son. I plan to breastfeed our 2nd son for as long as he wants to nurse. What I want to know or get suggestions for is what can I do when we are out and about to entertain my 3 year old who dosn't sit well while I am nursing his baby brother? As you know it can take 45 mins to an hour to nurse a child. Jason dosn't just sit well. And we really don't have a place to "play" at the mall. I will not nurse my child in the bathroom or go back to the car to nurse. I will also not pump my breasts and put the milk in the bottle. I tried it when my oldest was a baby and didn't like it. Much easier for him to just nurse.
Any ideas or suggestions would be great.
PS: My oldest is now 3 and I nursed him until he was over 2 1/2 years old and I plan to allow our 2nd son to nurse until he wants to wean off of me!
Answer:
Good for you for Breast Feeding. Nothing better for baby!!
Maybe you can try giving him a special book to look at only when you are feeding the new baby. Or a special toy or huggy bear or something for him to snuggle. I agree that you should not have to go to the bathroom to nurse. that is nasty.
good luck with the new baby!!
Game boy maybe? Or bring along a diskman for him to listen to music..hard to answer not knowing what your son is interested in.
Make a schedule were you feed the three year old and he goes to sleep then you nurse the baby. Both of them will be sleep then you can ither rest or do other things.
Have the baby "give" your older son gifts when he's born. Make them gifts that will can keep him entertained while you are nursing, i.e. arts and crafts, games you can play together one handed, whatever else he is interested in. This idea should keep jealousy to a minimum, if at all and also keep him entertained while you are nursing. Just remember that your older child needs more attention than the baby at this point and everything should be fine. I had my second son when my first was 2 1/2 and there was never any rivalry and they get along wonderfully now. (They are 4 and 18 mos.) Good luck and kudos for nursing that long.
Have a basket of "special" books or toys. Let your older son know these items are only for when Mom is nursing. You can add cars, coloring books, flap books, kids magazines, small tubs of Play Dough, dollar store toys, etc. This will work so long as the supply stays fresh. Worst case, get a bunch of movies off the $5 shelf and let him watch them while you nurse.
Try to read picture books to your 3 yr old while you are feeding the baby. This works well until the baby starts recognizing the world around him and would get distracted by it. Or, you could try playing "I Spy" or a similar game with him to try to keep him occupied. You may be opposed to my next idea - playing a 30-minute video. It does work. As far as nursing in public places goes, many malls and dept stores have "mothers rooms" or "family restrooms" where you can privately feed your baby. Some even have rocking chair, sink, changing table, etc. Even though the older one will be bored, at least he'll be contained and locked in the same room. Don't worry; it'll all work out fine.
Personally, my baby never ate for more than 20 minutes, which is a much more reasonable amount of time for a toddler to behave.
If you are out in public consider using a wrap or Mei Tei style carrier which will allow you to nurse while you continue shopping, which should help keep your toddler amused.
When you are at home have a special bin of toys that are only played with while you are feeding, keep your other nursing supplies in there too. Maybe you could do puzzles together or something while breastfeeding? Or you could read stories together. Or play games. Or colour. Play dough. Etc. Just keep a comfy chair for you near a table with a boosterseat/highchair for your three year old. That way he can play at the table where you can see him and interact with him.
Totally don't pump and bottle feed, it isn't as good for you or the baby and such a hassle. But trust me you will find a way to keep your toddler amused when you have to ;-)
[Also maybe I am out of line but if it is taking 45minutes to an hour to feed after the first 2-4 weeks you could consider talking to a lactation consultant?]
read him a book while you breastfeed
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