Congratulations on the arrival of your second baby! First, let me say, you're amazing! You've got this. Breastfeeding with a toddler around definitely comes with added challenges. But with a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can make it work.
Involve Your Toddler
One of the best ways to prepare your toddler for life with a new sibling is to make them feel part of the process. When it comes to feedings, you can involve your toddler by letting them bring you your water bottle, get cozy next to you on the couch, or even talk and sing to the baby while you nurse. But let's be real… your toddler probably isn’t going to be all that helpful and probably is still going to get jealous.
Set Up a Nursing Station
Breastfeeding takes up a lot of time, especially in those early weeks when your baby is feeding frequently. To make things easier on yourself, set up a nursing station where you can comfortably feed your baby while keeping an eye on your toddler. Make sure you have everything you need nearby, such as a nursing pillow, a burp cloth, and a water bottle. I found the couch near our play area to be a great location– my toddler could play with his toys nearby or choose to sit next to me and baby.
Have “Special” Activities or Snacks Ready
Activities and snacks are a great way to keep your toddler happy and occupied while you nurse the baby. My toddler looked forward to his “special” basket of toys that only came out during feedings. He particularly loved the Melissa & Doug reusable sticker pads, interactive books, and animal figurines. He was able to play with these toys by my side and I could join in while nursing the baby. You can also try bringing out an exciting snack and having a "picnic" on the floor or turning on a favorite TV show to help you out.
Try Out a Baby Carrier
A baby carrier can be a lifesaver during feedings and beyond. If you can master the art of carrier feeding, you can easily keep your hands free to tend to your toddler's needs. Join them for playtime, take a walk, or make a snack together. In my experience, I found this worked best once my baby could hold his head up and we had established our rhythm with feeding.
Ask for Help
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Breastfeeding can be a lot to navigate with or without a toddler around. Reach out to friends, family members, or a lactation consultant for support if you can. In the early days, I often had my partner take care of my toddler so I could really focus on breastfeeding the baby. I felt sad to miss that time with my toddler, but it really helped me bond with the new baby and enabled us to get into a groove with feeding.
Practice Self-Care
Breastfeeding and motherhood are exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your little ones. Try to get outside, take a nap, or draw a bath for yourself.
You’ve got this mama. Roll with the punches and try to feed whenever and wherever you need to (easier said than done, I know!). Although there will be interruptions and competing needs, your toddler will learn to adapt and be patient while you feed their little sibling.
Let us know if you have any other tips to share!