explaining BF to a toddler
hi everybody, well I'm almost 34weeks pregnant, and Evie is 2 1/2.
I plan to breastfeed my son when he's born. Evie's never been exposed to BF before simply because we don't have any friends/family with LO's or who have bf.
It's possibly really stupid that I'm concerned about this, so sorry if I sound rediculous. I'm going to at some point have to mention that new baby will feed from me, just so she's not shocked when theres a newborn suckling on me! and am dreading this. I know I will feel awkward even despite how young she is.
Obviously kids at this age are very accepting of everything so I know she will just take it in, but I also worry she'll be over curious/fascinated by this. I can totaly imagine her telling people on the bus "my little brother is going to have milk from mammys boobies" I mean, how mortified would I be! lol. As well as this I'm a bit nervous about once DS is here and actually feeding, I imagine Evie will be forever prodding and poking at me and being generally overly curious about my boobs.
Does anybody have any tips or stories to share to make me feel less weird about it all?
xx
I plan to breastfeed my son when he's born. Evie's never been exposed to BF before simply because we don't have any friends/family with LO's or who have bf.
It's possibly really stupid that I'm concerned about this, so sorry if I sound rediculous. I'm going to at some point have to mention that new baby will feed from me, just so she's not shocked when theres a newborn suckling on me! and am dreading this. I know I will feel awkward even despite how young she is.
Obviously kids at this age are very accepting of everything so I know she will just take it in, but I also worry she'll be over curious/fascinated by this. I can totaly imagine her telling people on the bus "my little brother is going to have milk from mammys boobies" I mean, how mortified would I be! lol. As well as this I'm a bit nervous about once DS is here and actually feeding, I imagine Evie will be forever prodding and poking at me and being generally overly curious about my boobs.
Does anybody have any tips or stories to share to make me feel less weird about it all?
xx
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Replies
My ds will be 21 months when ds2 arrives and I am worried he won't understand and think that I am spending a lot of time cuddling baby brother and ignoring him. My thought was to try and get him to sit and cuddle next to me and read his books to him so he feels involved but not sure what else.
I did post asking for ideas and one good one was that there are books explaining about bf for children so I'm having a look around to find a suitable one and will start reading this to him in the hopes that he understands.
No matter what we do our lo's are going to get jealous but I'm hoping it will soon pass and they will see the joy of having a little brother to play with.
Good luck and let me know if you get any useful advice.
When I came home from hosp with ds2, I have vague memories of showing ds1 how I fed the baby, and him not being remotely interested lol! I think I explained it along the lines of - the new baby has milk from mummy, babies can't eat food like we do, babies can only have milk. I think I also explained that he used to have milk from mummy like this when he was a baby (so he didn't feel left out lol!)
Neither of my boys were bothered at all by bf'ing - so you may be ok. If Evie is very curious about it - just answer her qustions as simply as you can, and then try to distract with a book or something.
I do remember hearing a story from another mum that their daughter announced to a shop full of people that 'Mummy's going to fed the baby from her nipples' LOL - that would be time for a swift exit I think!
You're right -little children are very accepting of things, I'm sure she'll adjust to it fine.
xx
I recommend giving dd/ds a drink n snack whilst feeding or playing a game, cuddles etc to keep them from being jealous, hope this helps xx
I'm sure you'll be fine!
xxx