Forum : Mums

Hi, I am currently breast feeding my little man who is 7 months (not literally, he's in bed now!!) and have a little girl who has just turned 4. I explained to my little girl about feeding a baby and why it was so important and then made sure in between feeds I spent loads of time with her playing games, reading books etc. I also explained that if I didn't feed the baby the baby would cry (she doesn't like the noise as she has grommits!!) whereas if I feed him he will go to sleep and then we can play! At the beginning I also let her watch more tele than I would normally when I fed him and she saw this as a little treat! Three weeks is still really early days and I'm guessing your little one is still feeding really frequently. The frequency and duration of feeds should settle down and reduce soon and you will probably feel less guilty. Does it bother your little boy or does it just make you feel guilty? If he doesn't seem bothered then try not to worry yourself. My little girl wasn't really bothered as long as she got attention in between.

Hi, congratulations and your doing very good to want to give your baby the best start. Even the first month will have done wonders for his immune system. I have two boys, one 21 months and one almost 5 months. I breast fed both for around 3 months, and it was very demanding. I had only planned to do 2 months with my second as I had another little one to run around after but he was tricky to bottle feed. You should do what you feel is best. My little boy didn't mind one bit, I chose to stop because I would get really tired easy and I felt it was a struggle to get out and about with the kids. Just persevere as long as you can and do what fits you and your family routine x

well, do not give yourself a hard time if you do decide to stop.
i have a daughter who will be 4 in january and i have a 3 day old baby girl whom i am attempting to breastfeed (which for various reasons is becoming increasingly unsuccessful). we are having problems one of which being our older daughter's needs. i have spoken to my partner, midwife etc and am going to combine feed for as long as possible but certainly wont be breastfeeding for as long as i had hoped. it is great if you can manage and for a lot of mums it does work out perfectly, but it is such a difficult balance and you need to do what feels right for you.

thanks for your responses. My son is really understanding of the fact that i need to sit down a lot and feed baby and he doesnt nag me to stop and play with him so that is good. His dad is giving him a lot of extra attention and taking him out lots which is helpful. He does keep asking when i can start taking him to school again but ive explained that its hard for me to get myself and baby ready in time and that its easier for daddy to drive him at the moment and he is fine with this. So i spose am lucky that he is understanding this.
@livis mummy- how are you doing the combined feeding? thats what i think we will end up doing really. then at least baby gets some breastmilk rather than stopping completely.

you can give a breastfeed at one feed, and then formula at the next one - ie
alternate them. it will have an effect on your milk supply though - when you start introducing formula your body recognises that it doesnt need to make much milk and will start to reduce production.
the thing that i will do, given my milk isnt in yet and my baby isnt very old, is offer the breast first let her take what she wants (if she will do it at all) and then finish her off with formula.