BreastFeeding The Second Time Around

M.,

I'm always a little baffled at the misapprehension that breastfeeding takes more time. On the contrary, it seems to me there are significant time savings regarding:

- time saved packing/preparing/heating/cleaning bottles for home use and ESPECIALLY for outings

- time saved in nighttime feedings. You don't even have to get out of bed, if you keep baby close.

- increased sleep. One recent study concluded that breastfeeding mothers get an average of 45 minutes of MORE sleep at night compared to bottle feeding counterparts.

- time and money saved trekking to doctors and pharmacies trying to fix all your formula fed baby's health problems

Not to mention the benefit to YOU as a mother of two, to take time to relax and enjoy the natural hormone/mood boosters delivered to you from breastfeeding. You can't nurture your children unless you nurture yourself adequately. Breasfeeding promotes that. That's why post partum depression rates are lower for breastfeeding moms.

Good luck with your decision!

actually, I found bottle feeding to be more time consuming than breastfeeding and I just read a statistic that breastfeeing moms actually get more sleep than bottle feeding moms b/c you don't have any prep time when they are breastfeeding.

I never subscribed to the "must breastfeed every two hours" thing. I just breastfed on demand. It turned out that my son wanted to feed ever 3-3 1/2 hrs or so. When he went thru a growth spurt, he needed more. So, I let him put me on a schedule and it was exactly what he needed. My husband wanted to be part of the feeding experience, so during the time I was home, I would pump to get my milk supply up and have some stored in the freezer. When I was out, wanted to take a nap, or at work, he or Grandma would be able to take care of of his feeding needs. At 8 mos old, I went back to work full-time. I still breastfed in the AM & PM, but supplemented with Goat's milk . You can find the recipe on Dr Sear's website:
GOAT'S MILK FORMULA
MEYENBERG Instant POWDERED GOAT MILK BEGINNING FORMULA
Instant (12 oz container) Powdered Goat Milk
6 Scoops (84 g)
Water-36 oz.
Rice Syrup-6 ½ Tbsp.
Calories (per oz.-20)

As baby matures during its first year, gradually increase ratio of powder to water until whole milk level is reached (8 scoops to 35 oz.)Discontinue adding rice syrup (carbohydrates).

Supplement with a infant liquid vitamin, and a liquid DHA. Your baby with thrive, as mine did and not have any reaction like to most formulas (cow or soy) like gas, bloating or receive half their calories from corn syrup as is in most formulas. Corn syrup actually shuts off leptin in the brain, so they are always hungry and constantly feel as if they need more calories. Studies are linking the high content of corn syrup, starting in formulas, to the obesity rate today in children. It's practically in everything we eat and is addictive. Goat's milk is almost 100% hypoallergenic and as close as you can get to breastmilk.

I am now breastfeeding for the third time. You can do it! My first two babies were 4 years apart, and when I had my second, he would not take a bottle even if I pumped milk for him, and I was going to college. It was hard then, because I did not have much help from his dad, but I managed. I breastfed for a full year with the first two, and plan on doing the same with my 8 month old. I went back to work after she was born, and was lucky to have a daycare where I work, so she can be close to me, I'd pump milk for her, and then feed her myself on my breaks.

Good luck to you and congratulations on the new baby!

All of mine have been breastfed. Not all babies have the same nursing routine. I've had leisurely feeders and some that wanted to just get it done. It can be challenging at times with a toddler (or preschooler in your case) to contend with as well.
One advantage you have, your son is old enough to entertain himself while you take care of the baby. Tell him to go play.
It is helpful to get the older kids involved. My oldest son heard the midwife say I needed lots of water. He took it upon himself to make sure I always had a glass of water when I was nursing a baby. Or he could fetch a diaper, a blanket, extra pillow, etc.
If your child just really needs some attention, turn it into storytime. I can't count the number of times I've had an armful of nursing baby and an older child and a book.
Watch some TV together. (I know. TV is bad. But useful at times.)
Your second child will not be like the first. You'll probably find solutions that work best while your in the thick of it.
Good luck!

I am a mother of 2. My oldest is 19 and my youngest is 16 and a half. I breastfed my oldest with no problems but with my youngest I had many problems from day of conception.
You are right in saying that breastfeeding takes a lot of time, but time is what your kids need.
When you breastfeed that is your time and your time alone with your baby. When you bottle feed everyone can help with that. So you loose your time with the baby. You get to hold and cuddle with your baby during that time.
I know you may think everything has to be in it's place and done just right but honestly it is ok if things don't get done right away.
Take time with your kids cause they do grow up fast and you will miss the time you had with them.
I hope this helps you some.
D. W.- 44 year old mom and love it!!!!!

Absolutely doable! I did it with a 2 1/2 year old while part time babysitting another 2 1/2 year old, a one year old and a 5 year old! And it can actually be even easier when they are littler simply because they are easier to hold with one hand - you can actually become a tealented multitasker, holding a breast-feeding infant in one arm, while building a duplo catsel with the other!

I've got a 3.5 year old, a 2-year-old and a newborn... they've all breastfed (currently bf'ing the little one). It *is* time consuming, but you can talk with your 4-year-old while you bf the baby. You can read to him, play I Spy, or just let him entertain himself. (Or let him watch TV...) My 2 older kiddos have adapted wonderfully to having a needy infant in the house - I think you'll be fine!

Oh and yes - it is much easier with each subsequent child!!

I second much of what the other said:) I have 2 children, my oldest being 3 years older. Breastfeeding is something I wouldn't trade for anything! It is beneficial in so many ways. I highly recommend a basket of "special" toys that are exclusively for your older child to play with while you are nursing. We had great luck with that - fun for the older child and something special too. Good luck!

Hi M.-

I just had my second baby last week and my son will be four in July. I breastfed the first, and I am doing the same with the second. I feed him every three hours and even pump in between. My older son is fascinated with the wwhole process. I explained to him before hand what the baby eats and how. He actually sits with me the majority of the time waiting for his brother to finish eating so he can help me burp him. My son is very hyper, so I think that if we can do it you surely can! I hope this helps! Good luck...

D.

M.,

Congrats on the new baby. You can definitely. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the thought of having 2 kids. I had 2 kids 2 years apart and when my second one was 7 mos, we found out that we were going to have a third. I was pregnant and breastfeeding at the same time. They all breastfed for 10-12 months. Use the time to read to the older baby or something special while you are feeding the baby. Being four, he can get u diapers or something for the baby to help you out. It will help you and at the same time let him feel useful. It will be just fine, you will amaze yourself at what you can do. Someone else responded just to "roll with it"-- that is really the best advice. And just enjoy every minute, because they go sooo fast. Again, congratulations and enjoy.

Hi!

I was in exactly the same position when my now 4 year old was born. My older boy has ADD, and I was worried,but determined. I found that the time I spent breastfeeding was the perfect time to have my son sit with me. We would read together, or work on numbers, etc, ready for him starting school. It worked out really well. The only thing I really had to do was make sure my son was fed before I wanted to feed the baby, but other than that it was great. Good Luck!

S.

You can definitely do it! I've nursed all of my children for almost two years each. The older kids never even seem to care. I just say, "I have to feed the baby. One moment." And that's it! I don't think nursing actually takes more time than formula feeding, does it? And part of being a family is learning to share time and attention. Your son will be fine if you make it seem normal. If you make it a big deal, he'll make it a big deal. Same as with everything else.
Good luck! Congrats!

Just learn to roll with it. My third child is almost a year old and I'm getting ready to wean her now. My second child is 2.5. My first child just turned 5. So it is very definately possible. I nursed all three of my children for at least a year. Learn ways to bring the older child into the process. Read to him while you nurse. Explain that you need to sit there for a little while and that you'll need his help....run to get a burp clothe or something you need. He'll be very willing to help. Do this with everything though...not just the nursing. This will make him feel like he is a big boy and that he can help with the baby. And realize that the chaos of having two is a new normal. Just settle into it and get used to it. Two is very definately more difficult than one. But you will also feel so blessed to see the interaction between your first with the baby. I've so enjoyed seeing how the older child(ren) interact with the baby and all my children are very close. They are such good friends and play so well together and I feel it is because we included them and didn't say "I can't right now because of the baby"
Don't ever blame something you can't do on the baby even while you are pregnant....will make them resent the baby.

Okay so I've given you advice on more than just nursing. But it all applies to nursing and every aspect of having another child.
Good luck! And don't worry. God doesn't give you more than you can handle and nursing a second will be made easier than you think. Just relax and roll with it.

M.

I breastfed my first for about 15 months, and he is now 2 and a half.

I now have a 5 month old that I nurse as well. So far, it has been easier than I expected. He is more of a casual nurser, and even my older son respects when it's time to "feed baby". Just give your child something to do for 20 minutes while you nurse. I never did a bottle, so I don't know how easy it is, but to me, nursing has got to be the easiest thing ever as I never have to worry about packing a bottle when I go out, or running out of formula, or preparing a bottle when the baby is screaming and hungry...

Also, remember that your baby needing to nurse every 2 hours doesn't last very long.

When my 2nd child was born my oldest was 3y/o almost 4. Breastfeeding is time consuming, but well worth it. I had my older daughter hold the baby's feet, or we would read a book while I breastfeed the baby. I would tell her how important that it was for her to help me with the baby. She loved feeling grown-up, and both children both love to read now. I pray that you and your son have a wonderful experience with the new baby. Breastfeeding has so many benefits to you and your baby, please don't deny yourself this joy. God Bless you!

A ring sling has made things easier for us. Baby can nurse in the sling, freeing one arm/hand while nursing. A great place to buy one is www.slingsbyj.com.

You can also come up with games that you can play while nursing, like asking him to find you 5 things that are blue, etc. I'm also a fan of putting on a favorite 30 min. show for him to watch when you're feeling particularly tapped out. :)

I've breastfed my second baby for almost a year whilst caring for my 3 turning 4 yr old. I found that the 3-4yr age difference has been really perfect in those moments where I'm putting the baby down, etc.

I agree with the other moms who said that breastfeeding takes LESS time than bottlefeeding. But that wasn't why I did it! I breastfed because I didn't trust the large manufacturing companies like Bristol/Meyers to "get it right." I asked myself, "How can they put into powdered infant formula everything that is in breastmilk?"

I did research and got my answer: "THEY CAN'T."

If you do even just a little research, you will come up with the same answer. Here is just a little something from the first site that came up when I googled.

Commentary on formulas supplemented with DHA & ARA
by Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Note: These comments are from posts to a list serv for lactation providers and supporters, and are not from a peer reviewed journal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003
Subject: Lipil

Denny has talked to us about the pediatrician that stated the fatty acid additives in Lipil are exactly the same as what is in breast milk. This sounds like he or she has just attended an inservice by a formula salesman and is parroting back the buzz words used to dupe health care providers into recommending the formula! Actually these fatty acids are nothing like what is in breast milk and pose a number of known and unknown risks to the infants who consume them. The DHA is extracted from fermented microalgae and the ARA is extracted from soil fungus. The breast does not use either of these items to manufacture its fatty acids, and these sources are new to the food chain. Each of the processed oils has its own fatty acid composition, adding a number of fatty acids to formula that already are contained in the plant oils mixed into the base formula. Human fatty acids are structurally different from manufactured ones from plant sources. Human fatty acids interact with each other in a special matrix. Just because they perform as they do in human milk does not mean they will perform at all in an artificial construct. One study has started to question if the large fat supplementation of formula is contributing to the obesity epidemic (Massiera F. Arachidonic acid and prostacyclin signaling promote adipose tissue development: a human health concern. J Lipid Research 2002; published on line ahead of print November 4, 2002).

Side effects have been reported in animal studies of the DHA and ARA, such as; oily soft stool (steatorrhea) and oily hair coat in rat studies. In four week exposures, rat pups had higher liver weights, in three month exposures they showed elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and undeveloped renal papilla. Fungal food sources have the potential of acting as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals. An extensive review of this topic was done published in the Journal of Nutrition, November 1998 Supplement; Vol 128, Number 11S. It concluded that there was not enough evidence to support the addition of these fatty acids to formula.

Varying or randomly adding fatty acids to formula does not always translate into optimal delivery of these fatty acids to the infant. These fatty acids were not approved by the FDA for use. They were simply allowed onto the market with the stipulation of post market surveillance. This means give the formula to as many babies as possible and see what happens. Since the clinical trials (experiments on babies) were done on small numbers, this allows the formula companies to have access to the entire population of babies born in the US every year, 4 million. The formulas are under study by the Institute of Medicine for safety. This represents an enormous uncontrolled experiment that bypasses informed consent and is staunchly defended by health care professionals who are wedded to the infant formula industry.

Its not a problem at all. Do it.

Hi M.,

Congratulations!!!! I am in the same boat. My son turned four right after my daughter was born in Sept. He too took a long time nursing. My daughter is completely opposite. She gets right down to business and is done in no time. I'm still nursing her and pumping milk for bottles. I plan to continue until she's a year old like I did with my son. I also work full time and I don't feel like it takes up too much time. It's well worth the effort.

I say give it a shot. Breastmilk is the best for your baby and you'll save so much money by not having to buy formula.

And if you think about it, whether you nurse or bottle feed, it'll take about the same amount of time for your baby to eat. Enjoy these precious times while they last because you'll find that with two, the days just seem to fly by.

Take care and I wish you the best with your pregnancy.
A. H.

Hi M.,

Go for it! Your second child deserves the same great nutrition as the first, right? Plus, as you know, the bonding that nursing creates with the new baby is indescribable. As you also know, the "every two hours" part is only in the beginning and doesn't last that long.

You can involve your older son by letting him sit next to you on the couch and read books to him while you nurse the baby. Or maybe you could watch one of his favorite shows or videos together.

You can do it and it will be SO worth it! It's actually much easier the 2nd time around since you're now a pro...

Good luck and congratulations!

M.

"My son eats all his veggies now. Even the green ones."
Look for my coupon here on Mamasource for Juice Plus+/Good Health Made Simple

My kids were 23 months apart (teenagers now), nursed both until 1 year old and it is very possible to nurse the second time around. Have some activities ready for that time. It can be a really sweet time for the 3 of you to spend together. At 4, he is able to understand all about it and to increase his independence by entertaining himself during that time. Good luck!

I have seven biological children, and have successfully breatfeed them ALL, exclusively!

You can do it!!!! I'm currently doing it. I had concerns about whether it would be possible or completely insane. I have a 7 week old baby and a 21 month old toddler. It's definitely time consuming to say the least but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I nurse her some and pump and give her bottles at other feedings. There are times of craziness like when my toddler is having a melt down and I'm nursing her and limited on my availability and patience. We are all adjusting and it will be worth it. Many moms have gotten through it successfully so I know we can as well. Give it a shot.

Dear M., congratulations on expecting your second baby! Although I only have one child so far, I have seen so many moms who are breastfeeding their subsequent children, and they all report that it is much more convenient and practical. My son was also one of those frequent nursers with long nursing sessions, and it did take a lot of time, but isn't it so worth it? Here is what I have learned myself and from other moms: a sling is an absolute life-saver - no matter if you have one or multiple children. My absolute favorite is the Maya Wrap (www.mayawrap.com). You can nurse hands-free, completely discreetly in case you are in public, and you can even walk around with your baby while s/he is nursing (or sleeping) in the sling. All it takes is to get a good latch in the beginning, adjust the sling, and off you go (or hopefully you get to sit, too :)). What I have also learned is that moms prefer breastfeeding their subsequent children because once the baby is latched on, they have both hands free to read with their older kids or play. With a bottle, you have only one hand to work with. Since your son will be four by then, he may love to get involved by getting you water, get a bip for the baby, and just play "little helper". One of my friends started carrying around a baby doll through the last few months of her pregnancy explaining to her older child that this is what she will be doing when the baby is here (although her first child was only 2 at that time). They sat down to nurse with the doll, laid her into her bed when it was time to nap and included her in daily activities, so her older child got used to being patient, and he got used to the new routine. I thought that was a great idea. And finally, I can highly recommend the Grapevine La Leche League group. They meet every first Wednesday at 10 AM at Grapevine Yoga, and there are many breastfeeding moms who have two or more children. You can get a ton of advice of what works well for them, hands-on help with a sling if you are not familiar with it - and you can take your older son with you when you go. Their meeting schedule and other information is at http://www.lllusa.org/web/GrapevineTX.html
I personally am so fond of breastfeeding, it actually makes me a little sad when moms decide not to nurse their babies. And most of the time it is simply due to a lack of information or support. It is exciting that you are asking for feedback on this forum, and as long as you make your final decision from your heart, you will be doing the right thing for your family. Good luck!! All the best, M.

I have three children all approx 3 years apart. I breastfed every one. It is much easier to breastfeed than to have to heat up formula, sterilize stuff and then sit there anyway.

And remember the frequent feedings taper off after a couple of months. Try having a stack of books nearby for when the 4 yr-old needs some extra attention. Also, you will be surprised how much more self sufficient your 1st child will become after the new baby is around. You will have a little eager helper. Especially if you come from the vantage point of a new sibling for your son instead of a new baby or you. A little flattery will get you every where. ;)

And remember, if you feel like breastfeeding isn't working out, switch to formula. You will still be a fabulous mom! Congratulations!!!

It is a personal choice that you need to feel comfortable with. I went through a similar issue between my first two children. My first was about 4 1/2 years old when my second child was born. My second was a very demanding feeder . . . about every 1 1/2 hours. At times I was so stressed and was ready to quit, but then the thought of not breastfeeding made me very sad because I enjoyed the nurturing feeling and of course the health benefits. So, I stuck it out. My 4 1/2 year old was very good about the whole thing. I made her my helper so she could feel a part of the process. I would ask her to get me a burpie cloth or a clean diaper and the wipes, and I would have her help burp the baby. In the end, it worked out fine, it gave the big sister a chance to bond with her little sis.

And just so you know, I had baby #3 at 38 years old, and breatfed her as well! Since the other girls were older (12 and 7) the challenge was less stressful.

M.,

My oldest son was 15 months when my second baby came along, and I had a lot of the same concerns you have. I was pleasantly shocked to find that my 15 month old was eager to help if I asked. He would go get the burp cloth or rub the baby's head while he nursed. He was also content to just play close by. I was also happy to find that nursing was so much easier the second time around. I think I knew better what to do, so it was easier for my baby to catch on. I didn't feel like I was feeding him ALL the time, like I did with the first one. I think that if you involve your four year old as much as you think he would want to be involved, it will go much smoother than you anticipate.

My youngest will be 14 months when our third makes an appearance. I plan on nursing this baby as well, so hopefully my advice will hold true for me as well ;).

It can be done. My oldest son was almost 3 when my second son was born, and trust me, my oldest is a busy boy- we call him our wild child. He is super busy and full of energy, and very spirited and stubborn as well; love him to death, but not what anyone would call an "easy" child. I managed to breastfeed my second without too much difficulty. It took some adjusting at first, and I have to admit that my oldest got to watch alot more TV than I would normally have allowed, but we managed. Congratulations, and good luck!

M.

If I can offer a few words of encouragement, I had the same fears that you did. I hear your concerns, but my daughter was 3 when my twin girls were born. I said to my husband "I only want to breastfeed for 3 months to give them a good start, and then I'm going to bottle feed". I made it breastfeeding them to when they were 11 months old. If I can do it with a 3-year old breastfeeding twins, you can do it with a 4-year old and a single baby. You'll find your groove and it will be a piece of cake. Just stick with it through the frustrating part and when you hit your stride, it won't be "work" anymore, and you'll be providing the best source of nutrition that the Lord gave you... and as an "extra", you'll be giving your new baby antibodies to fight off sickness as well!
I wish you the best of luck and God's blessings to you and your new little one!
-K.

I am local, so if you want a baby sling I can make one for you. Let me know.

I had 10 years between my first and second child, but only 2.5 years bewtween our second and third child. I successsfully breast fed all 3 of them. Just enjoy it while you can. One of my closest friends has 6 children with the oldest being 12 and the youngest being 2. She has no multiples and she breast fed all of them without any problems.

M.-- I have a newborn with a 3 y/o. I bf with my 1st for 5 months and have been determined to go 6 with my dtr. It's time consuming but has not been an issue/problem for my 3 year old. He definitely is the difficult one at this point--demanding more time--- but we've talked about why mommy has to "feed baby sister right now". I think if you include your 4 y/o in discussions about why you need this time with your newborn it will be easy. It's basically been an opportunity to stick to a routine. I'm considering starting a bottle soon with just breast milk to make it easier. Also, I can assure you that having an older child with a newborn has been quite helpful---going to get diapers, etc. Good luck! They are blessings!

I formula fed my dauhgter after she refused to breastfeed and still had to feed every 2 hours for a very long time.

I had the very same concern with my second. My son was only 26 months old when my daughter was born, so I was very worried about finding time to sit down and feed her. She is now 3 months old and we are still exclusively breastfeeding. I admit that I now let my son watch more of his videos than I used to, but a little extra TV is a small price to pay for that valuable time to bond with your new baby. If my son seems like he is in one of those "needy" moods, I just pop in a Wiggles or Hard Hat Harry DVD and it buys me half an hour to feed or do whatever I need to take care of the little one. Plus, I watch with him while feeding his sister and it creates bonding time for all three of us. It isn't all the time, but a great ace to pull out when you need it! Perhaps you can find something like that.

You'll be amazed at how easy it will be to breastfeed the second child. I breastfed my three boys and used this time as my quite time, or at least as quite as it gets with three boys, and encouraged them to sit with me and we'd look at books or find a favorite toy that we just brought out when it was feeding time. sometimes we'd chage it up and use that time as a short cartoon time once a day. they will get use to the routine and it wont be a problem. I did have a son that liked to go off into the other room and get nto trouble when he knew I couldn't just get up and come find him, so I began rewarding him for good behavior after the feeding was over with special one on one time doing whatever he wanted to do. congratulations and good luck!

C. S.

M.,

For me it seemed easier the second and third time around. I breastfed all 3 of my girls (2,5,7) for at least 18 months each. I even purchased a pump and nursed at work, once I went back to work. I think after awhile I didn't really notice the time consuming part as I sang songs or chatted with the little one while they nursed. It is realistic and you'll be surprised as the 4 year old does his own thing while you nurse the baby. Maybe even set up a coloring station so that the 4 year old can draw and practice writing while the baby nurses. I even read to the others while the baby nursed, to get some joint quality time in where I could.

The most important thing is that you want to be relaxed. Try it and see how it goes. I wish you the best.

Well, I don't have two kids yet, but if you're comfortale with breastfeeding, I hear you can feed the baby while you carry them in a sling. Like I said, Ive never tried it myself, but it sounds wonderful because you can do other things WHILE feeding your baby--amazing. There is a book called babywearing that talks about this very thing. Check it out at a library if you can--it has sosme good tips and even shows you how to wrap the baby, and talks about all the different types of carriers. Good luck.

I have 3 boys (currently almost 6, almost 4, and 15 mo) and all have breastfed. The work load is easier, the health benefits for you and baby are better, and it is a great opportunity for your other kiddos to learn that nurturing is a learned art :) My older boys know that nursing time is quieter and that as soon as we are done then chaos can return, or they need to head to the playroom or go to the backyard. It gives the whole crew a bit of 'wind down' during the day. We never looked at it as an option, for reasons of health, cost, and personal conviction, formula wasn't going to be fed to our kiddos. That being said, save the $$$$ and make it a great time for your older one to read books, make up stories together, play a board game and they can move all the parts and pieces if your hands are occupied. Art, books on CD, and learning work on computer were special treats for us to use during restless nursing times. You might even create a 'nursing napsack' or a special bin that holds games/books/special stuff that is only broken out when baby nurses. Then, if you are out and about or just around the house, it is a great time to actually talk to and listen to the older kids that so often get the 'uh huh' or 'really!' during the busy parts of the day. Reconnection time for all the family members.

Hi M.,

I recently had my 3rd and found that BF has actually been much more convenient for me with having 2 other kids to care for.
You don't have to prepare any bottles, clean and sterilize any bottles, get up out of bed in the middle of the night to make a bottle, etc.
Also, you don't have to worry about which formulas going to work best for your baby, always having to try new ones and so forth. Breastmilk is so much easier on their tummies which will reduce your chances of having a colicky baby and mines at 9 weeks with no signs of colic in sight!!
: )
I really enjoy just being able to feed him whenever necessary and it makes sleeping through the night much easier. I let the baby sleep with me and just roll over to nurse him when he wakes up and I feel alot better in the mornings.
I'm so happy I chose to exclusively breastfeed and yes, TRUST ME it is very possible and much much more convenient. : )
Good luck and congratulation to you!

I agree with you that breastfeeind is time comsuming. I have done both- I breastfeed my daughter until she decided she didn't want to do it anymore, then I switched to formula. But honestly I think breastfeeding was sooo much easier! You don't have to wash bottles, buy expensive formula, and breatfeed babies tend to stay healthier so you aren't spending time in a Dr's office or awake with sick babies all night! :) That is just my opnion, and you must do whatever is best for your family. I would suggest trying it for a few months anyway and then you can always switch to formula- it isn't as easy to do vise versa. But I think you will find breastfeeing will just fit into your schedule. Good luck!

I know you have already received a lot of responses, but I just wanted to encourage you as well. Congratulations! I am a mother of 4, with my children being about 2 years apart each. I breastfeed each one of them. They wouldn't take a bottle either, so it was all up to me. When the babies were born, the other kids had to know that Mommy was not going to be able to drop the baby and come running during feeding time. They learned real quick, that they would need to do it own their own or learn to be patient and wait for Mommy. I taught the kids to help me as much as possible, like if the 2 year old needed something, then the 4 or 6 yr. old would need to help until I could do it. Or I also become talented at nursing a baby and doing things with my free hand. You just do what you have to do. :)

Good luck!

Sounds like your son was a lot like mine -- a nip and napper. The good thing is, most babes are not like that. Also, you'll be surprised how you'll be able to slip the nursing sessions in.

I agree with the previous post, bottle feeding is a LOT more time consuming than breast. You have to carry all that stuff around ALL the time. You have to clean the bottles, fix the bottles, etc. Breast is a lot easier. Chances are, you will not have the same issues as with your son so try not to worry. You should go to a La Leche League meeting sometime before your child's birth to discuss how to deal w/nursing and an older child. I think you'll get a lot of good advice.

Good luck and congratulations!!

There were times it had it's issues and but they were seldom. My son was 3 1/2 when my daughter was born. Nursing for the most part was awesome. I would never trade the experience.

I have a 2 year old and believe me he is WOUND up like every toddler. And I just had my second son who is 3 weeks old. I breastfeed him and I also pump and store bottles in the fridge. I think pumping as well saves time and still gives him that delicious breast milk that he needs.

I breast fed my first child for 10 1/2 months before he lost interest and I had the EXACT same concerns when I had my second. My son was 3 when I had baby #2 and I must say it was MUCH easier to breast feed my second - no bottles to clean, no formula to meausre and bottles to warm. You feed them when they need it and it takes no less time for a baby to take a bottle. You also have less issues with gas, spitting up etc. You learn to multi-task while you are nursing too. I exclusively breast fed my second for 14 months without any issue. I am now pregnant with #3 and will be breast feeding again soon. Good luck - I promise it sounds more time consuming than it really is!