Breastfeeding new baby in front of toddler?

Question

Has anyone had problems with this? DId they get jealous? Did they want to try some?

Answer 1

my son was 21 months when my daughter was born. he thought it really funny that milk came out of mummys boobies. He did get a bit jealous because he couldn't always have a cuddle exactly the time he wanted one, I just made sure he had plenty of attention at other times, we always did things together like reading, or playdough or just cuddling when his sister was asleep.
He did once ask to try some, but when I said okay, he very quickly changed his mind, and told me he didn't need it because he wasn't a baby.

Answer 2

I nursed in front of my toddler. Two in fact. The first time my oldest was 17 months and he had no interest in what I was doing. He was happy to run off and play. The second time my 13 month old was very jealous of the baby. He sat on my lap while I nursed and checked out everything that was going on. He had self-weaned at 10 months, and once or twice thought he would try nursing again but decided he didn't like it. After that he was fine to just sit with us as I nursed his sister. Just watch for your toddlers reaction and don't make a big deal out of it he he decides he wants to try. Setting with them both, your toddler with his cup should keep your toddler knowing that you are not giving him up for the baby and eliminate any problems.

Answer 3

My daughter was never jealous of me breastfeeding her sister. She was two when her sister was born. She had self weaned a month or two before I gave birth. So knew what I was doing and was fine with it. I had explained to her before baby was born that because babies cant eat like big girls all the can have is booby.

But I rmember when my brother was born (I was two) and I had just been weaned, I wasnt jealous but I wanted to know if I still liked it. So I asked my Mum and she let me have some. All I can remember was it tasted sooooo gross. I even told my Mum she shouldnt give it to the baby because it was yucky. And then she explained that it wasnt yucky to him becausse it was made for him. It was yucky to me because I didnt need it anymore.

So just do what you have to but warn the toddler that you will be breastfeeding. IF they ask to try there is no harm in that. They wont like it and it will quench their curiosity.

Answer 4

My younger two are 15 months apart. It never became a huge issue. I tried to always nurse in a spot where my older one could curl up next to me. Also to ward off any interruptions (as much as possible), I made sure the older one was changed, fed, and had a favorite toy close at reach before I began nursing.
Just keep at it and most toddlers will accept it as just part of having a new baby in the house.

Answer 5

I breast fed my daughter in front of my 2 year old nephew when she was born. I babysat him during the day so he was exposed to this a lot. He simply asked what i was doing so i explained that some babies eat from their mothers breasts instead of a bottle and she was eating. after watching for a few moments he asked if he breast fed when he was a baby which he was. Then he asked if he could hold her when she was done eating and never said anything about it again. I now have a 2 year old daughter and i am expecting a son in May and I will handle her questions in the same manner it seemed to be effective with my nephew!

Answer 6

Yes!!! I have 4 children each 2 years apart and I nursed all of them until they were atleast 1... My girls were born first and the oldest very curious as to what I was doing and fortunatley for me out dog had just had puppies so it was pretty easy for me to explain and her to understand, and when she wanted my attention while I was feeding I would give her a job to do like tickling the babies feet to keep her awake, or getting the burp cloth for me.. I found that the more they are involved with the new baby the less jealous they are... So when my boys were born I followed the same type of routine....

Answer 7

My middle child was 13 months when my 3rd baby was born, he was unimpressesd and thats putting it politely. He used to scream as soon as he noticed what I was doing, and he would stand there crying and smacking my knees but after about a week he realised that there was nothing he could do to stop and he is now completely not bothered. We just ignored him so he got no attention for his bad behaviour and it seemed to work. My oldest son was 3 and he wasn't in the slightest bit bothered nor was he bothered when my 2nd son was born. (he was 2 when the 2nd one was born)

Answer 8

Yes very much so,in fact one morning I woke up with the toddler sucking on the other boob.Ouch.Yes it is natural but the more you do it the more they will get used to it.Believe me not only the toddlers get jealous.

Answer 9

If you try and hid something like that the toddler will just get the wrong idea of what is happening. After a while it will seem the norm.

Answer 10

The fact you're breast feeding is irrelevant to wether the older child will get jealous or not.I know from experience that it's EXTREMELY hard to give the older child as much attention as you used to and impossible to give them as much as they WANT!!,added to the fact you need some YOU time. It's great if you've got dad around to help but if his role begins AFTER the baby is born it's pretty much seen by the child that he's only getting dads attention now cos of baby.With that brilliant gift of hindsight we would encourage dads involment BEFORE baby comes. Just take each day as it comes and answer any questions with simple answers within the childs conceptual boundries.Good luck!! xxx