Appropriate age group:
Infant

Description of technique:
If you are breastfeeding your 2nd or 3rd child, here are a few tips from a mom of 6 on how to keep things rolling smoothly. (If you already have more than 2 or 3, bless you, you may have already figured some of this out!)

First, talk to your kids about how they were fed, and had this special baby time with Mommy, and their new brother or sister needs it now, too. Tell them stories of how it was with each of them, whether or not it was at the breast, and how much you love those memories and look forward to some with the new brother or sister. Now they can watch, be helpful, but understand that the baby needs this time with Mommy to be quiet and loving.

It won't be like that lots of the time, but it's still a goal.

Have either a nook where you go for daytime feedings, or a bag to carry with you to different spots throughout the day. This should include picture books, a small photo album, a hairbrush, etc., plus at your "base," a place for a drink and a phone, (hopefully cordless) if you choose to or need to answer the phone at this time.

Set aside a few feedings a day where the others are expected to share a snack, color, or perhaps even watch a video, depending on their ages, naturally, and give Mommy and baby some quiet time. Then, at certain feedings, include them and read or talk about what they are interested in right now, and how your family has grown and changed.

Assign jobs to those who can help out, like bringing Mommy her nursing drink (always, always drink a full glass of water, milk or juice during daytime feedings when you're at home, and your liquid intake will be where it needs to be). An older child can take phone messages or read to or play a game with a younger one.

Other comments or suggestions:
Not every nursing session will be blissful. You'll learn to pick up things off the carpet with your toes, make sandwiches and do other things you never thought possible while having a baby at your breast. But setting aside special times is so important. And planning ahead in some of these ways will facilitate a more positive breastfeeding experience for your whole family.