How to handle my 2 yo

[greenmansions]

So I have a darling DS who just turned 2 last week. I also have a new DD who is 5 weeks old. Whenever I nurse DD and she pops off and is crying, DS comes over and starts hitting me and screaming at the top of his lungs. I don't know how to stop him - I am tied down to a chair with a boppy and a baby on my lap, baby is crying, DS is very upset. As soon as I can get DD back on the breast, DS stops and goes about his playing. But sometimes DD does not want to nurse anymore so DS keeps at it, and sometimes this cycle repeats itself several times til I am ready to slap DS, and ready to cry myself. I have broken down and yelled at him but that didn't help things - no surprise there.

Anyway, anyone have any advice for how to deal with this? Telling him not to hit mama and to make nice with mama does not work. DH telling him also does not help.

Thanks... I am having enough trouble with BFing and this is making it harder!

[sebandg'smama]

sounds like a tough time for all of you!
my only thought would be, have you got a sling? perhaps if you weren't sitting down and nursing with baby snug in a sling you might not feel tied down.

[delicious]

i have no real advice, just hugs and stuff. i have been there (sort of..nursing was pretty easy for me with my second.) but those early days with a newborn and a young toddler are tough. it will get better.

do you have a LLL leader or someong you can call about nursing? i bet that would make breastfeeding go a little more smoothly.

best of luck to you all.

[indiegirl]

Someone here told me about thier special nursing box they they for their toddler--it was filled with special toys and trinkets that the toddler could use while you were feeding the baby. I used one with some success when dd3 was born and dd2 was having real trouble with it.

It is so tough, this transition you are going through. I know it's hard. I know! There might not be one answer that fits, but please know it WILL NOT last forever. I know it doesn't help in the moment.

I remember HIDING from my 2 yo in the bathroom with the baby because she wouldn't stop screaming at us. It was so awful. Both of you have to relearn how to be with each other in your new roles and it's not easy.

FIND a LLL mtg. They will take you in and make you feel so safe and normal. If anything, it'll be a chance for your 2 yo to burn off some steam with some other kids.

Jesse