Our son Andrew is now 5 weeks old. My son, Jacob is 3 and my daughter, Isabelle is 22 months. Jacob and Isabelle both have a great amount of energy, probably the most I have seen in kids in a long time. They are a lot of fun, but a lot of work.
Andrew, is a nursing baby. I believe breast feeding is the healthiest and best start that a child can get from it's mother. The stats are out there everywhere if you really don't believe me. Andrew will take a bottle, but I would rather nurse him so he will not get confused or lazy with it, plus I seem to have bonded the most with this baby. I really don't know why, it just seems to be a different connection than with the other two. Maybe because in my world this is my last child. However, in God's eyes he may have a different plan. I do also have to suppliment after nursing because I don't seem to produce enough milk. This is nothing new, it was like that with the others too.
So my current dilema is this. Because Andrew is nursing I get stuck on the couch or in a chair for a period of 20-30 mins every 3 hours. While this is taking place the 2 older children seem to need my constant attention as well. Jacob is good at entertaining himself for a short time, but Izzy is the demolition queen. She can change the decor of a room in seconds. I feel trapped because I know Andrew needs the nutrients from me, but Izzy needs my redirection and correction most of the time. I want to get rid of using the television as a babysitter while I am nursing, so I feel trapped. I know someone will say that I should pump and feed him from a bottle. I would, but when I pump I get next to nothing, so it's not worth my time.
So who deserves the best, Andrew or Jacob & Izzy?
they all diserve your best, but be free'ed in the words you can only take care of one child at once. Who needs you at the that moment. When it's feeding time...its Andrew. Even with two, I still focus on one at a time (when Nikki is gone). Sure I am not letting them swing from the ceiling fan...but each child craves your undivided attention...for a time. (SuperNanny proves that one)
ReplyDeleteYour kids will understand some day. I am not sure I understand fully the TV thing, sometimes you do what you have to do in order to get through the day, the moment and pray that no permenant damage is done.
I wouldn't feel bad about the TV time during feeding, especially if they are watching some Christian cartoons :) Pumping and using a bottle is NOT the same for bonding and such so keep nourishing Andrew emotionally and physically and your other two peanuts can entertain each other. Maybe you can think of a fun activity they can only do during feeding...I don't have any good ideas but I will be thinking of something.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you are giving them the best that you have, which you are, then they are getting all they need. Andrew is the one that really needs you now. He depends on you for absolutely everything so cherish this time because it is his special time to bond with you. As for Izzy and Jake, start a reward program with them. Post a chart their names and everytime they behave during Andrew's feeding, they get a star to put on the chart. When they get so many stars (Make it enough that it takes a little while), give them a prize (a new coloring book, reading book, DVD, puzzle, horse...) Something that will distract them during nursing. Just remember, the time flies by and soon enough Andrew will be playing with the other 2 and won't need you as much anymore. And don't forget, when Brenton is home, this is a great time for him to make Izzy and Jake feel special, without always including Andrew...A win win for everyone!
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