Breastfeeding is a great way to feed your baby, but it can be difficult with other children around. It doesn't need to be difficult and here are some great ways of making it as easy as possible.

Make sure you speak to your older child about breastfeeding while you're still pregnant. Tell him or her how you breastfed them and what it was like. If you know any infants, let your child be around them to get used to it. Getting your child ready for the event can be very helpful.

While nursing a newborn, a pillow or a rolled up towel can help you hold on with one hand. With your other hand free you can interact with your other child. With an older baby, try using a sling while nursing. This will keep both hands free to tend to your other child.

Have your older child help you with little chores while you're nursing. Ask them to bring you little things while you are sitting, or walk around and clean up toys. You can make a game of it while asking them to bring you certain items.

Watching TV can be an easy way to keep a child occupied, but you can get involved. Put in an educational video and ask them questions while they are watching. If there are songs in the video, work on singing them together.

Have your older child snuggle up with the two of you and read a book aloud. This could be a wonderful time for the whole family to be together.

Buy a doll for the older sibling to play with while mommy is nursing. They may even start to mimic you and feed their baby.

Have a box of toys that are for when you are nursing only. Whenever you buy a new toy for that child, put it in their "nursing box of toys".

Remember to relax and roll with the changes of having more than one child. Even if you find it difficult in the beginning, the rewards will be plentiful.

Learn more about this author, Holly Hilden.
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