Breastfeeding is not an easy task to take on. Sure, it's perfectly natural, and women have been doing it for thousands of years before you. But for some new mothers, it's a challenge that can seem insurmountable. Add in an older child wanting your attention at the same time, and it can be even more stressful. If you have breastfed before, that's one obstacle out of the way. There's no need to struggle to figure out if the baby's eaten enough, or if you've got the baby latched on properly, and there's no need to struggle with which position is best because you've learned that with previous children. If however, the current baby is also your first attempt at breastfeeding, have faith that in time breastfeeding and keeping your other children occupied will not seem to difficult.

Speaking of those children, when it comes time to feed the newest addition to your family, they can be quite interested in what's going on. Before the birth of your second (or third, or sixth) child, take time to sit down with the older ones and look at a few magazines and books and answer any questions they have. Taking care of the basics before the baby arrives not only helps you, because you're answering questions when you're not so stressed, but helps make the transition smoother for the other children in the house as well. When children know what to expect, and know what's going to happen, they gain confidence and feel proud that they know. Depending on the age of your child, you may be able to get quite in depth in your explanations, or you may have to keep it simple, explaining that mommies make milk and that's what babies need to grow strong and healthy.

*Once the baby arrives, you'll find yourself multitasking like a pro in no time. In the beginning however, it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. With any luck, your baby will nurse on at least a rough schedule, and you can plan your older kids activities around the feedings. Your biggest asset is daddy. Fathers may feel left out when only mom can feed the baby, so when it's possible let it become his duty to entertain the other children while you nurse. The children will love having dad's undivided attention and won't mind sharing mom with the new baby quite so much.

*When the father isn't around, make your nursing spot a location where the older children can climb up and sit with you if they like. Small rockers are cute, but when you've got one baby latched on and another grabbing

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