How will I breastfeed with toddler around?

Tea-and-Cake_3

My 3rd child is due any day and for some reason both my children have become very VERY clingy and will not leave my side. The problem I have just now is that when I sit to read them a story my 4year old will sit nicely and listen (albeit stuck like glue to my side), my 2 year old will not sit still and literally tries to climb on top of me and paws at me which is really painful at 9 months pregnant, she already resents sharing me with her big sister. I am really very worried how it will be physically possible to sit and feed a delicate newborn with 2 children who will not give me a moments space. The only thing I can think of is to arrange for another adult to be present for the entire day to keep the other 2 occupied!!!!

Any ideas?

minimoneysaver

Honestly, you need to be firm with your boundaries. Your children both need to know what is and what isn't acceptable. I think you need to set your children up with an activity before feeding your new infant and if they are that way inclined, get them to help you out by doing the running and fetching....many children find it very rewarding to be able to help out in that way, and especially like the praise given when they are helping or playing nicely.

meritaten

I breastfed my third when my dd was about 6 and I had a very clingy 3yr old. I found it best to have clingy child positioned on the side of me where the breast had been fed from last (as you then start on the other side). he was fascinated, but usually we used this time to cuddle up and watch tv or I read to him. he adapted very quickly and even offered to 'take a turn to feed the baby' and we all had hysterics when I said 'ok - go on then' and he tried. he didnt like it much and soon handed the baby back!
DD often came and cuddled in the other side of me. It was lovely actually - and it was far easier than I would have imagined! and as baby was fed every three hours at first - there was lots of lovely cuddly time!
Don't fret hun, it will be FINE! the kids will soon get used to baby feeding - I used to tell them this was how mummy fed THEM, and they just accepted that!
I think the worst thing you could do would be to find other things to keep them occupied - they may feel excluded and therefore jealous of the new babe.

ciderwithrosie_2

Please remember though that YOU are in charge, not your 2 year old. You need to nip this in the bud now. Story/cuddles get stopped if they can't sit nicely with you and if a strop ensues then off to the naughty step. Can your partner help inforce this with you, when they're around? They're not going to not love you because you're being firm with them over this. Mother's guilt is a powerful thing.

Somehow though it usually works out, the 3rd one has to fit in with everyone else, mine seemed to permanently be in the pram going to and from school/playgroup, I can't really remember quiet, relaxed feeding times with him (apart from the middle of the night) but it must have been OK for both of us because I breastfed for 9 months, and babies are tougher than they look - my youngest (now 17) can sleep through anything and has the hide of a rhino when it comes to brotherly insults/teasing.

Kantankrus_Mare

Oh lordy this thread brings back memories!!! :rotfl:

I vividly remember sitting on the loo with newish baby feeding and trying to get two year old to sit on potty at the same time.!!

Looking back I don't know how I got through it but you do.

Good luck and as has already been said.........distraction or getting them involved is best way just dont expect things to always go to plan