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Feeding & Breastfeeding

How to keep an older child busy while you're breastfeeding

I have always been pro-breastfeeding, but it can be really difficult when there is other children around. You could be really self - conscious or you just may not be ready for all the questions you may get. Here are a few suggestions on how you keep your children occupied when you are trying to breast feed your baby.

Turn on a great movie. Kids can really stay occupied with a great movie. You do not want to get them hooked where all they want to do is watch the television. But it you put them in front of the TV with a movie and a snack they will stay happy for a long time. It's like a treat to them, and they will not be in your hair.

Get them to do their chores. This can be a little more difficult because this may require a little supervision. Some kids do not want to do their chores so it may take some persuasion, but if you reward them in the end with a treat it may help. Simple tasks like picking up their toys, washing the dishes, or putting their laundry away will help them pass the time while you feed your baby.

Sit your older children down at the table and have them color with a coloring book and crayons. If they are a little older, you can put some craft supplies on the table and let them go and be creative. They can use their imagination to create something for mommy while you are away. This will also keep them busy for quite some time.

Put together some books for them to read and look at. Most children love books and love to flip the pages and look at everything on them. If you have a stack of books for them specifically for when you are breast feeding, it will make them look forward to the next feeding time when they can pick up the book again.

It also helps if there is another adult in the home when you need to feed. They can be used as a distraction to the older children so that you can have your bonding time with your baby. Remember, your child will not be breast feeding very long, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Learn more about this author, Leanne Bloms.
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