Breastfeeding/Breastpump

I am a 63 year old grandmother to 6 three of which are 15 Mo. triplets. Question # 1 is an easy one. Buy a baby doll (I know he is a boy-doesn't matter) and give it to him. Let him feed his baby when you feed your new baby. You may even get him one that has a bottle that wets. It should take his mind off your constant attention and he will feel part of the babies life too. He can sit right next to you and feel your presense and caring.
Barbara

I have a 2 1/2 yr old boy as well, Also very active and I just had our second child a girl the 31st of Jan.
I breast fed my son and now my daughter to. So far I've fed her while reading him stories or at the table while he's sitting to eat. In general it hasn't been that bad. If I do need to get up to keep an eye on my son I just take her with me still attached to the boob :) Multi tasking is the key I think. Good Luck

Hey C.~ I used a single medula when I had my daughter six years ago. I had no problems with it.I did not breast feed long with her, maybe a month. I got rid of it and had my son 2 years ago. I didn't want to spend the money either on a pump. I work nights at the hospital so I needed something fast and dependable. I got Ameda double pump. I loved it. It is cheaper then the medula but still more expensive then the others. My friend was using a playtex one that was cheaper and it would just stop on her. I really haven't heard anything good about other pumps.I had no problems with mine at all. I traveled with it, went to weddings with it etc. I would highly recommend the pump I got.I used it for a year. Good luck to you !

I exclusively pumped for 7 months. Nursing didn't work out with my child but I wanted to be able to provide the nutrition of breast milk. I actually became very comfortable with it (to me it was quicker than actually trying to get my child to nurse). I invested in the Medela Pump in Style. It is a hefty investment of about $350 but it was well worth it. the money you save on formula is competely worth it. I bought mine at Babies R Us & purchased the warranty plan for $35. I never would have done that but another mom who had a 2 month old stopped me & said it is reassuring to do that just in case it gets damaged or if breastfeeding doesn't work out for you. one day my pump fell off of the night stand & the place that holds the tubes cracked. So, I was able to get a brand new pump. Well worth the investment.
I have also used an Ameda pump through work. I still have to say I like Medela the best. Good luck with everything & congratulations!

For a breast pump, you can actually rent a hospital grade one from which ever hospital you will be at. They are really cheap, and the best pump you can use. I think it is something like a $1.00 a day, but it depends where you go. Most hospitals use the medalla hospital grade breast pump.

I suggest making your newborn's feeding time a time to sit and read with your two year old. It will give you the chance to spend some quality time with the two year old and make him/her not feel left out when you are feeding the baby. Your infant will benefit from this time too because it's never too early to begin reading to your children. They will come to love their reading time with Mom; and as the years progress, will become good readers and do well in school because of it.

I can't speak on #1, as I am about to find out what it's like to juggle feeding a baby while taking care of another child. I'm due with my second child in just under two weeks!
However, I do have a recommendation for breast pumps. With my first child I used the Medela hand pump which is priced around $40. I loved this pump. Two other moms had recommended it to me at the time. They liked the control of hand pumping and the comfort of it. Once I started using it, I agreed! I didn't like electric pumps and they really are very expensive. With the hand pump you can go at a speed and intensity that is comfortable for you and it didn't take any longer to fill a bottle than it would with an electric pump. An added bonus is that you burn more calories with hand pumping! I got the same pump for my second child and look forward to using it.
Good luck!

I also have the Medela Pump in style electric pump and highly recommend it. I got so good I could email or read while pumping. Even if you stay home, it's nice to have a supply of frozen breast milk for when it is time to wean. Also, I would pump before going away and then feed using the bottle if going somewhere I didn't feel comfortable nursing.

Good luck!

Congrats on the new baby and being a SAHM! I know it seems overwhelming, the though of a baby and breastfeeding with a 2 yr old, but you can do it! If I did it, you can! I would try to read to the older child while feeding. Or do a puzzle while feeding. Sometimes, just being in the same room with the 2 yr old satisfies them. If you are worried about the baby being distracted, don't. I think you will find that the second child is a bit more flexible and easy going.
You will figure out what works for you! It may take a bit of adjustment, but it all works out.
I think I used a Pump N' Style electric breast pump. That worked the best.
Good Luck!

I know a woman, nursing mother who makes blankets that operate as a tent so that you can nurse discreetly anywhere. If you would like to get one let me know I will get her information to you. With an active 2 year old you could go to the park or beach and be able to nurse on demand. Also a baby sling is a great way to keep your new born close to you as you tend to the older childs needs. The sling is a soft cotton that ties around your shoulder and you can make it tight enough to feel snug. Babies love it, it is like being swaddled in a blanket, close to the smell of mom and the nipple too.

Hi C.,

Regarding #2 - my recommendation is to wait and see if you really need to pump. For myself, and many of my friends, I found pumping to be very time consuming and quite dreadful.

I never understood it until I had a baby, and I aquired a Medela Pump in Style. The pump itself is good, but I didn't need to use it when I was home, because I just nursed the baby directly. If I needed to go out, I worked it around baby's schedule. We always thought I would pump so my husband could feed her during the night... but nursing the baby in bed is extremely convenient and it didn't make any sense to get out of bed, go downstairs and warm up a bottle.

If you do choose to pump, be aware that there are different size shields and you should not EVER feel pinching or pain from the pump. I didn't know this and caused myself some serious soreness which almost derailed my entire nursing career. Fortunately, I hung in and am still nursing my 9mo old.

If you can possibly borrow (my midwife said its ok) or rent a pump to test it out first, that would really be the best. If you are going to stay home, though, you may not need it. If you want the baby to be willing to take a bottle, you can give the ocassional formula bottle, after your milk supply is established. (I know a lot of people will disagree with this... but it worked for us.)

Good luck!

Hi!

I have a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old. I nursed them for 14 months and 13 months. I was definitely nervous about nursing with a 3 year old running around. I found I could nurse with one hand and play with another. I could read a book, or move a train around a track. My older son is very chatty so I could talk to him while I fed the baby. Some people make a "busy" bag for the older child. It's filled with toys and activities (cars, washable crayons,) that the child can do while mom is "busy" with the baby. I would suggest giving the baby a bottle before s/he is 3 weeks old and once a week after that to make sure the baby takes both. I had trouble with that with my first. I didn't pump much but when I did I had the Medela one...I think that was the name, it was yellow. Good Luck!

I'm a nurse working in postpartum. don't know where you live but you can probably call your hospital and ask to speak to a lactation consultant and she can tell you where you can rent one also may want to contact your insurance co to see if they will cover the rental. good luck and congrats on breast feeding.

Hi C., I was in the same boat as you a few years ago. I have three children all 3 years apart. My husband also tralvels for his job and is away about 80% of the time. I breastfed all my kids but found with my last two that if I supplemented a bottle in between each feeding, it was MUCH easier. I was also able to let the other children help feed the baby! They loved it! They felt like they were helping out mommy and were truely big sisters:)As for the pump, my only suggestion is to talk to the lactation consultant at your hospital and ask her for some ideas. She will be able to help you out with the best product for the best price:)
Good luck with your kids. They are such a blessing:)
B.

I can't advise on your first question - but my advice is buy the best pump you can afford - renting and buying (if you're planning to nurse for a year) work out to be the same price. The Medela pump in style is great - and many insurance companies will at least partially reimburse you for the purchase. I used it and sucessfully nursed for a year while working full time and traveling for work.
I was advised against gettting a used pump b/c you don't know what condition it is in and there are sanitation/hygiene concerns - even if you change out the tubing.
good luck!

Congratulations on your soon-to-be-born baby boy! =) You'll do just fine! Just explain that you need to feed the baby and maybe have a special basket of books next to where you'll be nursing so that you can read a book to your older son while nursing the baby.

As far as breast pumps, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Avent pump. I'm not sure of the model name (or even if Avent has more than this one!), but it's small, portable and SOOOOO easy to use and clean! I wish I had found it when I was nursing my older two children!

Good luck!! =)

Hello! I am breastfeeding a two month old-I have a 2 year old, and my husband travels all the time!!! We're twins!
I agree it is essential to pump so that other people can feed the baby sometimes, and even to have some spare milk for the times you produce less, or a growth spurt starts. I stashed 25 bags of milk when my milk came in like gangbusters, but at 1 and 1/2 months, my son gobbled all through it, and now we're in synch. Also, I'm not comfortable nursing in front of guests, so it's nice to escape to the bathroom and pump, as well as take bottles on the go. My husband sprang for the expensive $300 Medela double pump-much to my shock-we're on a tight budget-but i don't know what I would have done without it. But, I nursed my first for 10 months and it's still going strong for #2. The only reason you need a good one is so it doesn't conk out-and if you want to nurse for a year, i recommend it. You will use it A LOT. Also, my Medela is very fast. On the strongest suction and fastest speed, I can get a full meal out in about 7 minutes! Valuable when there is another child to watch. They say you can never sell a used one or use a used one, but that's not true. My friends pass them around to each other as needed.
Anyway, my 2 year old got used to me nursing right away and hasn't interfered in any way. the only difficulty is if she wants to be held right at the same time that I am nursing, but she quickly learned that doesn't work and she's fine. If you're a SAHM, you shouldn't have any trouble at all juggling. You can put the baby down at any time if there is an emergency with your toddler. My toddler loves knowing it's time to feed the baby, and we all sort of sit together when I nurse. My toddler brings me things to look at etc because she' knows I'm sitting still for a while. Congrats! Good luck!
a m y

My children are 18 months apart and I breastfeed them both for a year. I only had a hand pump which worked great for me becasue I had no shortage of milk but most people say to get a good powered one.

As far as keeping one busy while you nurse I found puzzles, books, and coloring were some of the best things while I nursed. There are times that it becomes a challenge but it isn't impossible. Good luck.

Hi C.

I have a 4 month old and a 2.5 year old. I'm breastfeeding the 4 month old. Whenever my 2.5 year old ask about breastfeeding i explain to her that it's the baby's food and that she is a big girl and gets to eat big girl food. She has tried and still occasionally tries to "take a sip" but i just make a game out of it and make her laugh. I jump back or up and say ouch or something goofy. After redirecting her she forgets about it.

Good luck.

My experience with breastpumps is to buy the best you can. There really is a difference in the motor quality and in comfort--your nipples will take a real beating if you aren't vigilant about using Lansonil (the ointment). I tried all kinds of pumps (and got all kinds of bad advice). THen a friend gave me her deluxe breastpump (which she hadn't used) and it was wonderful.

The best advice I can offer you is to not be "economical" when buying a breast pump!!! I made the mistake of buying a cheaper model- the Elan from Evenflo is the one I think I bought... Anyhow, I would pump for an hour and only get 2 oz at most. I called the lactation specialist and she said that it was the pump. She recommended either the Medila or Hollister (Ameda) brand. I bought the Hollister and had such better luck with it. So, I ended up wasting the $100 I spent on the first bump... If you get online, you can buy the Hollister brand at www.ameda.com for about $150, a little more if you want the extra storage bags and such. It is most definitely worth the investment!!! The best thing about the Purely Yours is that you can use any standard size bottle!

I breastfed full time with an 18 month old and everything was fine. I think she was too young to really realize. This time I am due in 9 weeks and I plan to breastfeed full time with my now 3 1/2 and 2 year old. I expect this to be more of a challenge......my son is fascinted with boobies! I wish i had some helpful advice for you with this question.
I responded because I wanted to reccomend the Medela Harmony Breast Pump. Its a hand one, but it work AWESOME and only runs about $35. I had an electric one before owning this one and it was terrible! The Medela one I have has been though 2 kids and is about to go through another! Its quick, effiecient and quiet.

I was able to breastfeed my daughter for 15 months while working full time (never a drop of formula) if you would like feel free to contact me and we can talk.
M.

As for the breast pump... I had the Medela Pump in Style for my first child and wit was great for while I was working, but after my second child, I was staying home. I am currently using the Medela Single Hand Pump that the hospital gave to me free. (I think it runs around $35 in the stores.) It works just as well as the electric, and is just as fast. I was really surprised, because I was so set on an electric pump for my second child as well, but have totally converted.

My daughter was 3 1/2 when my son was born. THe best thing I found was either having her sit and read with me while I was nursing, popping in a video, or some other toy that I knew would distract her for the 15-20 minutes that I was nursing. Our biggest problem was that she wanted things while I was nursing like a drink, snack, or help with the potty. I learned to have everything ready for her before I started to nurse so I could nurse without being interrupted.

Good luck and again, since you aren't going to be pumping a ton, I don't feel the electric pump would be any more beneficial than the hand pump, and the hand pump is much cheaper.

My older daughter was 27 months when I had my second one. I breast feed her and have no real issues with the older one. Don't know if it would be the same for a boy or not. My daughter will breast feed her dolls and I have seen boys do that, too. I would wait to see how he acts in the beginning and then have a little talk with him about it if it seems necessary.

As for pumping, I really like Avent brand, but I suggest you go with an electric pump if you're going to do it regularly. The hand held ones are ok, but I get tired of doing it myself.

I am currently breastfeeding baby #2 who is 7 1/2 months old. I also breastfed baby #1- but only till he was 17 weeks old because he had severe allergies. My oldest was 3 years, 3 months when #2 arrived. I will say that it is VERY possible to successfully breastfeed baby #2 but it will take planning and patience, but if you are committed it is do-able. Remember that some days will be better than others, but that it goes by so very fast that in the grand scheme of things it really isn't that bad. I spent a lot of time reading and singing song with my older son while breastfeeding or sitting him down for a meal/snack. When all else fails, a tv program or movie for 20 minutes didn't hurt either. You will feels so much more self assured and confident with what you are doing this time around that it will come very second nature.

As for a pump, first time around I borrowed a friends. It was Medela backpack and I loved it. This time around I did have friends offer again to let me borrow but something told me that I was going to want one of my own. I ended up searching on Craig's List and Ebay and bought one (slightly used) for $80- that included the shipping. I have to say, I have already gotten my money's worth.

Good Luck!

Hi C.,

Are you the same C. who is in my gymboree class?

Anyway - for breastfeeding the having your toddler around, I highly recommend a sling so that you can breastfeed on the go. When my son was little I used to breastfeed while shopping with him in the sling. The only problem with the sling is that if you are nursing and walking around, your belly may show, so I always wore nursing tops <http://www.mothersboutique.com/nursingtops.html&gt;. That way you can have easy access nursing and still keep your belly covered.

I wrote a few articles on breastfeeding tips for new moms and pumping and working. Even though you aren't going to be working with this baby, the pumping tips may help when you need to start pumping. Here are some links:
Breastfeeding Tips for new moms: <http://www.mothersboutique.com/brtifornewmo.html&gt;
Pumping Tips: <http://www.mothersboutique.com/woandbrtifor.html&gt;

For the breastpump, I highly recommend the Ameda pump. It is light weight and easy to use and the base model costs only $149.99. You can also get a manual pump much less expensively, but if you are going to be pumping with any frequency and if you have a toddler running around, then the electric pump may be a better option. The Ameda pumps are very easy to use and have the same components that the hospital grade pumps are made from. Here is a link to where you can see them: <http://www.mothersboutique.com/peelbrpu.html&gt;

If there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know.

Sincerely,
J.

A Mother's Boutique
Breastfeeding clothing, nursing bras, breast pumps, slings and accessories.
MamaSource members receive 10% off their first order (excluding breast pumps) - just mention promo code MAMASOURCE.
http://www.mothersboutique.com

Hey C. -

I too have two children and only breasfed my son for 6 weeks because of going back to work. I was so disappointed that I could not keep it going.

I said if I have another, I will try for a year whether I am working or not - So I did. I purchased the Madela Pump for the Second Time - (The absolute Best One out there in my opinion) It was $300. I went back to work and I used the pump but i supplemented with Formula too - It worked out well for 9 1/2 months - I was surprised but proud of myself.

With all that said - i think it looks like you have your mind made up and it will work out no matter the situation! You other active child will get to know feeding and pumping times. Just have a schedule worked out for that child too.....You will do great.

God Bless -

My pump is still in great condition if interested for half the price. Just email me -

____@____.com

I also have the Medela hand pump and like it a lot. It is pretty quick, quiet, and portable. Most importantly, it was free. How? The lactation consultants at the hospital where I delivered (Mercer Medical, in Trenton) had them to give to you if you ask. Definitely worth asking wherever you deliver; they may have a similar program. If nothing else, its parts are interchangeable with parts for the fancier electric Medela pumps, which gives you more flexibility.

My advice is to buy the best breastpump you can possible afford. The cheap ones are painful and not very effective. The official advice is not to buy used breastpumps, but many people do. I use the Medela Pump In Style that is about $250 used and about $100 on Craigs List used. Compared to formula, that is not very expensive, but the other choice is to use formula some of the time (so husband can feed occasionally) and forgo the breast pump, if you think you are going to only be away from the baby for an hour or two. Regardless, I would introduce a bottle within the first month so the baby can easily go back and forth between breast and bottle.

Good luck!

I breastfed all 3 of mine and they were all close in age. My first 2 are 17 months apart and the 2nd and 3rd are 27 months apart. I exclusively nursed them all for at least a year (13 months, 19 months, and still going with nearly 10 month old).

It can be challenging at times, but it is completely doable. One thing that you can do is make sure you've got plenty of pillows near your older child's play area and just sit on the floor with him and nurse while playing. It's also a good time to snuggle and watch a favorite show. (While TV isn't the best option for all day, if watched with a parent that interacts and talks about what you are watching, it can have benefits. Just minimize TV when you aren't nursing.) You could also have a basket/bag of quiet activities that you can keep just for nursing times to share with your older son - crayons and paper, playdough, books, etc. They are all manageable to do with your older child while nursing. It gets easier once you can predict feediing patterns more and more.

Good luck!! It's great fun having them close together.

Hi C.. I breastfed my son until he was 9-month-old. I would have cxontinued but my body pretty much decided it was time to stop when I went backto work b/c even with pumping, my supply gradually decreased. I started pumping regularly when my son was two months old so that we could go out and I (or someone else) could feed him with a bottle. I will tell you that a good pump is extremely important and is totally worth the money. Medela makes the best pumps, hands down. They are really the only brand that works effeciently enough, trust me. I spent more money on less expensive brands only to find they didn't work very well. I finally bought a Medela Pump in Style and I probably wouldn't have nursed as long, had I not had that pump! It was expensive but totally worth it! Especially since I plan on nursing all of my kids!

Hi C.: I was able to nurse my son for a year while working full time. It was not easy but definitely can be done. I am also expecting my second in April and will have the challenge of nursing an infant while having a 17 month old running around the house so I don't have an answer for that one yet but as far as the pump goes I have talked to lots of breastfeeding moms and from my experience the only way that I see that it is managable is with a more expensive pump such as a medela pump in style. They are double pumps and electric and extremely effiecient. I could pump and clean up in under 10 mins! It is a big expense but it is really the only way I see that I can do it. You may want to look into renting one or getting one second hand like through Craigs list then you can buy all of the accessories such as the tubing and shields that way they are new and the only "used" item is the actual pump. Good luck.

I am in the same situation. My first son was 21 months when our second was born. I have breast fed both of them, and are still nursing the second. I employed the TV a little too much as a distraction for my 2 year old. Also I always try to make sure if he doesn't have a show to watch he has some sort of distraction food etc. You can and will get preety good at nursing while walking. It isn't easy but can be done. I have also read of people using a sling to put the baby in while they nurse. When we were at the zoo last summer I saw a lady with her baby in a hip sling nursing under a blanket while she was walking and watching her other children! Also make sure you have a boppy they are an indispensible item. It makes it really easy to get quickly set up to nurse.
As for a breast pump I had a hand held one with my first and I found it frustrating to use, you may be happier with an electric/battery powered one.
Good luck!

I have three children all quite close together. I nursed my eldest until she was 15 mos. and I was 6 mos. pregnant with my second... so I had a 19 mos. old and new born. I nursed my second child with no problems, and I would talk to or watch after my eldest as she played. If my older daughter wanted held... I would even pull her up in my lap and we would snuggle while I nursed my second child. I'm a VERY petite girl and had no problem accomodating both in an oversized recliner. It was great bonding time for the girls too. I then nursed my second child through my third pregnancy and even tandum nursed her (at 16 mos.) and my now 5 mos. old son, when he was born. Again... it is not easy to always keep after the girls, now 22 mos. and 3 years, when I have to sit and nurse my still EBF son. I find it is best just to stay in the same room they are playing in and I try to make sure they have everything they need... a drink, snack whatever it may be... before I settle in to nurse the baby.

As for a pump... I used a Medela when I pumped to provide DH with bottles for my first daughter... and never pumped with my second, nor now. That was three years ago... so I'm not sure what is out right now. And a Medela is rather expensive. I would DEF. recommend that brand however. I hope you find what works best for you... however, if you are planning on only keeping a few bottles supply on hand for your husband when you run errands... you can always hand express...? Not sure if that is an option for you... but I always found it to be just as quick as a pump (if you are thinking manual?) if not quicker, if done properly.

Good luck... and good for you for planning to BF for so much longer this time.

i think it's good you know what to expect, at least in the beginning, since you have breastfed before. i have no experence with two children, but i can suggest a pump..
either: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2409068

or:http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2409078

they are both under $100 and a VERY good brand. even if you are not working, i do not recommend buying any pump made by playtex, evenflo, or the first years.. IMO, they don't meet the standards of a good pump at all! also, i suggest waiting to give your newborn a bottle until he's at leat 6-8 weeks old.

good luck!! :)

You can check with the local hospital where you will diliver as they do rent the unit. This way you are not putting out money in case it is not for you.

I agree with lots of the ladies, medela rocks! Borrowed, ebay'd or new, its the best investment. When I bought mine (5 yrs ago and still working like a champ) it was way out of our budget, and after buying more affordable pumpls, renting pumps, I finally took the plunge and on first pump, never regretted it!

Breastfeeding baby #2 is very doable. I fed on demand for my first and decided with my second to get a schedule going. It was so much easier. With feeding on a schedule, I knew before hand when I would breastfeeding, could get my 3 yrs old ready into something (who is very very active) and it worked out fine. The schedule is what saved me. It also got my newborn sleeping through the night faster and allowed me to get more sleep faster. All life savers!!!

I know how difficult it is to breastfeed a newborn with a two year old still needing the attention. I did it with the help of a supportive husband. I also found explaining to my son what I was doing as well as occupying his time with toys and his favorite show (blues clues) was a great distraction. As for pumping, I recommend the medela pump in style, however if it is too pricey I recomend the advent manual pump. They're both great!

I breastfed my twins for 9 months while their older brother (19 months older) was running around. A few things I found worked were:
1) Distract, distract, distract. While breastfeeding, I would keep a book beside me to read to him, the remote control to the tv so I could turn it on or anything else I could distract him with if he decided to either start getting into stuff, try to crawl onto my lap or harass the other twin.
2) If I wasn't breastfeeding and he wanted something from me (like a hug or whatever) I would do my best to give it. A couple minutes with him when he wanted it went a long way.
3) I made sure my house was ultra-babyproofed so if I had to run upstairs for a couple of minutes, I didn't have to worry something was happening.
4) I made sure to spend special time with him when the twins were sleeping.

Breastpump: I used the Medela Pump In Style and love it. Fortunately for me, I got a good deal on it through my husband's company (regular $300, I got it for $100).

Good luck! I'm sure you can do it.