Tandem Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding A Baby And A Small Child

What is tandem breastfeeding?

This is a practice in which two babies are breastfed at the same time, such as a baby and a small child or breastfeeding twins. And although in our culture this is not very common, and very often considered unusual, in many other cultures it is common practice.

Tandem breastfeeding has become more and more talked about and it is becoming more and more popular.

Having a new baby can be disturbing for the children you already have, especially for those who are too young to fully understand the consequences. Changes are inevitable, but tandem breastfeeding helps the older child feel like a safe and secure place.

Regardless of age, breast milk continues to provide important nutrients and protection against disease while the baby is breastfed. It also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and infant, making the transition to family enlargement easier.

Tandem breastfeeding is absolutely safe and it is certain that your older baby will not drink the milk of the younger one, because the breast has the amazing ability to adapt to the demands placed on it. No matter how you breastfeed your children (separately or simultaneously), you will be amazed at your body's ability to respond to their needs. If you choose to breastfeed at the same time, it will help to establish a closer connection between them, and also relieves the tension in the mother's breasts (if any).

While mothers who breastfeed a baby worry that they will have little milk, those who breastfeed in tandem will probably have too much!

How to decide: breastfeeding the newborn or breastfeeding in tandem?

Pregnancy and parental care are an emotional journey. Before deciding whether to breastfeed in tandem or wean a young child, you need to think about his and your needs and feelings. Some mothers without hesitation decide to breastfeed in tandem, while others believe that they need rest and time only for the newborn, but are worried about how the older child will react in this case.

Many pregnant breastfeeding mothers report that their nipples become very sensitive due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and weaning in these cases seems necessary. In others, the older child loses interest in breastfeeding and is weaned only because he feels a change in breast milk (colostrum begins to form towards the end of pregnancy).

It is best not to rush the decision and let things happen on their own according to your wishes and the needs of the children, because, ready or not, the new adventure is about to begin.

Breastfeeding and pregnancy

Many mothers who continue to breastfeed after finding out they are pregnant fear that they will not produce enough milk for both children.

Be sure that the human body recovers when the new baby is born and will produce the right kind of milk for the newest member of the family. Colostrum is very important as it is the first food and the first protection for the immature newborn. Through it, he will get the best start in his life.

One moment: "If the milk changes according to the needs of the newborn, will the older child get what he needs?" Yes! It is also useful for older children and is an "immune boost" (contains additional nutrients and antibodies).

You may worry that you will not have enough colostrum for both children, but you will, as it is also produced on the basis of demand (like breast milk). However, if you are very worried, you can always feed the newborn first.

How will breastfeeding two children happen?

Sometimes juggling is the perfect word for breastfeeding two children! There are many different approaches to tandem breastfeeding. How it will go depends only on your level of comfort and the location of the children.

You will be able to choose whether to feed both children at the same time or each to be breastfed separately.

If you are feeding a baby and young child, try to feed the baby first because of his more immediate nutritional needs, at least until the colostrum runs out and turns into a lighter milky color. If you are feeding twins, it is best to alternate them: the one who ate last should be the first at the next breastfeeding, so that they take in both the front and back milk, which flow at the beginning and end of one feeding, respectively. It is good to alternate them on the chest.

Feeding two children at the same time means being creative with breastfeeding positions. There are two main ones that you could try at the beginning (soccer ball pose and swing pose), and at a later stage you can try different combinations to choose the one that suits you best.

You will find more information about breastfeeding positions in the topic: "Preparation and postures for breastfeeding".

Take a break

Tandem breastfeeding is quite tiring! A good way to deal with fatigue is to rest by getting the older child to sleep in one of the hours that the younger one does. Another option is to have expressed milk prepared and have another member of the family feed the children a bottle while you rest.

The benefits of breastfeeding in tandem

• reduces jealousy and strengthens the bond between siblings. When a new baby arrives, your young baby may feel abandoned, especially if you tell him not to breastfeed. That is why the tandem is a good solution. In this way, children will learn to share from an early age;
• cYour toddler will receive all the benefits of breast milk;
• tandem breastfeeding can relieve your breasts and prevent breast cancer;
• if you practice breastfeeding in tandem at the same time, it will save you time and energy for the separate feeding of each child.

Of course, shortcomings can always be found

• some mothers lose weight;
• you will need strong nerves and effort to deal with critics and unpleasant remarks. You will probably be told that the newborn will not receive enough milk (but this is not true at all);
• if you decide to breastfeed your children individually, it may seem that all you are doing is breastfeeding;
• some mothers may experience sexual arousal while breastfeeding as a result of higher levels of hormones.

What should I do if I feel that the older child is affected or irritated?

It often happens that the older child wants to breastfeed much more often when the baby is born. Many of them want to be breastfed every time they have a baby. This is often a period that passes after a few weeks. But if this does not happen and the child is irritated by the fact that the baby suckles more often there are solutions:

• you could tell him "not now", which means it's possible later;
• if you see that the child is insistent, you can try to tell him that you prefer to pay special attention to him, in which to do other things together after the baby is fed;
• you can explain to him that the baby needs milk as food and water, and he has already grown up and could eat his favorite foods (by listing which ones they are).

Is tandem breastfeeding for everyone?

Of course not! It is natural for the mother to focus heavily on the needs of the newborn, and breastfeeding is the way she does it. Every mother has her own individuality and some would feel more comfortable meeting the needs of their older children in other ways. It often happens that breastfeeding mothers enjoy breastfeeding in tandem, and then are horrified to find that they do not like it. There is no right or wrong here! Do what you feel is for you!

What if I decide that tandem breastfeeding is not for me?

If you decide that you need to wean the older child, do not torment yourself and do not feel guilty. Remember, this is a personal choice! Think about how you will spend your time with it by doing other things (games, reading books, drawing, etc.).

Weaning tips

Once you have decided that this practice is not for you, there are options that can help you stop breastfeeding your older child:

• reduce breastfeeding emissions in the first place;
• you can tell the baby that your breasts are already tired and in pain;
• offer milk in a glass.

Tandem breastfeeding can be great!

Have you ever met the slogan: “I make milk. What is your superpower? ”Breastfeeding a baby can be one of a woman's strongest and most rewarding experiences. For those who choose to practice it, it can completely change their feelings and views.

Get ready for critics

Since tandem breastfeeding is not very popular, it is possible to get an annoying comment from friends, family members or even medical staff. It is good to have a ready answer for these moments. Something like: "I researched the pros and cons of tandem nutrition and realized that it is safe and also works well in our family!"

Find supporters

Not all obstetricians, pediatricians and other medical professionals are aware of and agree with the benefits and safety of tandem nutrition. That's why it's important to find someone to support you. Many women give up precisely because of the lack of such support. Contact breastfeeding counselors and don't hesitate to look for other mothers on your wave.

So what exactly is tandem breastfeeding?

This is an adventure. It is the right choice for some mothers and the wrong one for others. There is no room for remorse and shame, no matter what choice you make.