my other worried is nursing a newborn and having a toddler with a behavioral problem

Emily - posted on 11/06/2008

Well, my kids are 18 mos. apart, and they were both nursed for 14 mos. My oldest (son) was particularly used to being able to crawl all over me at will. My kids are 5 and 7 now, and I remember being really worried about this, but don't remember it actually becoming a big problem once my daughter came along. My son would sit next to me when I nursed, and was always really gentle with the baby. I could never get him to stay in the playpen, so I'm sure I didn't do that. It does seem that this was around the time that we discovered the tv and videos :-) Since I began weaning after I found out I was pregnant, I remember having to just firmly remove him from my lap, chest, everywhere when he would pull on my clothes, demand my attention, etc. - but he was often demanding the breast, so it was all part of the weaning. Anyway, try not to worry too much - you never really know how it will be until it actually happens. And Deanna - I was really nervous about my kids being so close in age, but I wouldn't change it for the world now. It is great!

Christy - posted on 11/06/2008

I have a three year old and 4-month old. I tried to have some activites on hand...books, colorwonder supplies, stickers, playdough(i;d nurse at the kitchen table then), and would do activites with oldest while nursing. Sometimes I'd use that time for a special show (my 3 year old loves Backyardigans/Dora/etc) and would limit her shows to when I'd nurse so I could watch with her. It can be challenging, but doable. Sometimes I took her to McDonalds for a snack/playtime and would nurse then (under a blanket!). Enforce hands-on/hands-off times. We had to use time-out for not listening regarding touching the baby, and that worked. Oh, and I'd have a "big girl snack or drink" prepared so she could eat,too, and emphasize how lucky she was to be such a big kid she could eat...Good luck!!! It will all work out ok...

Becky - posted on 11/05/2008

Let me just say that it was really hard for me to nurse my second one with my oldest one going crazy! (Mine are 20 months apart and my little girl has a mood disorder). Just try to make nursing about your son too! Read him a book, try to watch his favorite show...don't make nursing completely about the new baby. It will make the older child more resentful. Try to get your little boy "settled" before you nurse...get him a snack, something to drink, and something to keep him amused. I nursed my little boy for 13 months, and around his 9th month my little girl was old enough to watch a video quietly while I nursed. I have to say I definitely had stressful days, but it is worth it in the end!

Jessica - posted on 11/03/2008

my son is a little over two.. sorry i forgot to mention it.

Deanna - posted on 11/03/2008

Good luck with this question. I am due January 1st and have a son who will be one next week. I am thinking that I will just have to put him in his playpen while I nurse. Otherwise, he will be crawling all over me and getting into trouble:( How old is your son?