My ds a week shy of 17months when dd was born but I bf for 8 months, so he got used to it.

in the early days though I just used to let him do as he wanted, make a mess, get all his toys out, use pens to draw, watch telly, anything that kept him amused, and always with a snack and drink so he had everything he needed and could want.

During one rather long feed though, ds did pull the entire contents of the toy box out (it was pretty huge) all over the floor, but none the less he was happy, amused and contented to do as he was not needing me while I fed dd.

Also used to have cuddle time with him when feeding, so one on each side.

The more he got involved with her general care, bathing, nappy changing and so on he was fine.

Thanks for all the advice.  DS has been especially bad today, actually hit DD while I was feeding her.  Luckily DH was here as I only had one hand free and couldn't keep DS away.  I'm hoping he'll settle down and get used to the idea that he'll have to share mummy as his behaviour is quite worrying.  It's still early days so I'm hoping it's a phase that will pass as we daren't leave him in the room with her for a second!

The highchair is a great plan.....cos u can stick it infront of tv or give colouring stuff......i started expressing very early on although my ds is 3 but extremely active and he always chose 2mins into a feed to want something.....in the early days we always had dvd time and a milk shake or juice at same time. You'll find your way as lo starts to stretch feeds out longer and be more efficient it will become easier....

...at the end of the day darling all you can do is your best...if you find it just won't work for you, you could always feed first thing and last thing and perhaps when your toddler is sleeping and give bottles at other times...you need to give yourself a bit of time to suck it and see and then you can weigh up what is best for both your children. Good luck!! Remember happy mummy, happy children...the right answer is what works for YOUR family. xx

hi there i am exclusively feeding my DS who is 17wk now and i have a 2yr old DD. when i feed him i e sure i close the curtains and stay with my daughter...i find it easier when im out and about as she is quitte patient to wait for me to feed her brother but too all you ladies who are finding it about difficult...your going to do just great, you've mnaged it so far YOU GOO GIRLS well done. xxx

Hi, I have been through the exact same thing my oldest was 21 months when my lo was born. I made sure i had things like books to read to her when i was feeding baby. I even put her in the high chair with crayons. Its hard but you can do it. Were now at 3 months and still going. Oldest is a climber too its just that age. I found its made her more confident to do things on her own. Also a good tip is to get a basket of small toys for your oldest to play with while you feed. Only take them out when you feed and rotate the everynow and then. Things you can do with one hand like cars, sticker books ect.

I use a sling like pp said, i can walk round and feed at the same time. It's quite hard to get used to but i couldn't live without mine now. I use it shopping at the park anywhere i go out to. It means i can feed whilst walking round. Another tip is wear a vest top under your usual top so you can just pull your top up and vest top down your all covered then. It used to take me an hour to get out after i had decided to go.It get easier though.

I waited till 4 weeks before i started to express i do 3 sessions a day and get 1 feed from that. I express before i go to bed, after 4 am feed and after 8am feed. I have just started to get 6-7oz in total. When i first started i only got about 1oz total. It takes time to let your body you want it to produce more milk. I started early and built up a stash in the freezer.

I hope that helps, if you want to know anything just ask.

Claire

Hi there, I also have 21 months between mine and my youngest is now 7 months and fully bf.  I have a stairgate in my hall that keeps DS1 in the lounge when I am bf DS2. For the first 10 weeks he fed for an hour at a time every 2-4 hours and it is difficult with an active toddler. I never gave a full feed when out an about because DS1 would not have sat there for an hour. I just dashed out immediately after a feed and was never out more than 90mins, I found that DS2 would fall asleep in the car or buggy so would naturally go a bit longer between feeds when out but a short trip out was enough to give DS1 the change of scene he needed. I never bothered taking expressed milk out with me, as DS1 would have got equally bored with me giving a bottlefeed.

In the house I just set up lots of activities for ds1 when i'm feeding - a book, some crayons, a toy he hasn't played with for a while, tv etc. It's hard for them - my toddler was a very active child and used to going out lots but he's adjusted really well to it and it does get easier as the baby becomes more predictable and gets older xx

Hi, wow you have got your hands full!!  I am going to suggest you try a sling, you can carry & bf in some slings ( I bought a Kari Me sling for this purpose) so you will be hands free for your toddler.

You'll probably hear mixed views about when to offer bottles of ebm - you can certainly express now, I did in the early weeks & gave it via a cup as I was worried about nipple confusion.  TBH I have never tried a bottle on my son who is now 22w but I know that some folk find it easier to offer it in the early weeks,  some say wait until 6w once bf fully established...hopefully someone will be able to give you some positive advice from experience!!   Well done for getting this far, the early weeks are very demanding!!  xx

DD was born on 5th August and have managed to exclusively breastfeed up to now because DH has been on leave.  He returns to work next Thursday and I'm beginning to worry about how I'll manage to keep DS (21 months) entertained and safe while I'm feeding my DD.  DS is very active and likes to climb everything and this can be a problem as we have a through lounge/dining room.  I'm worried sick about what he'll be doing when I'm BF DS and can't give him my undivided attention.  What do other people do?  Also, how do you manage getting out and about?  DD goes about 1-2 hours between feeds and I don't see how it's practical to sit down somewhere and feed her for 30-45 mins when I have DS with me.  He won't sit down for 5 minutes let alone 45 minutes so would go mad!  Is expressing an option yet or do I need to wait until the 6 week mark?  Any tips appreciated.  Thanks.