If you are a mother of a breastfeeding baby and are pregnant again, there may come a point when your baby is not yet weaned and the newborn has arrived to start breastfeeding.
What is Tandem Feeding?
Tandem feeding refers to caring for more than one child (not twins) during the same period of time. They can breastfeed together or feed individually. This situation occurs when you breastfeed your baby while you are pregnant and when the new baby arrives, the baby continues to nurse. So, you end up breastfeeding both the baby and the newborn.
Sometimes, it can also happen that a toddler who stops breastfeeding, asks to be nursed after the baby arrives. It can also lead to a situation where the mother tandem feeds two children.
Is Tandem Feeding Good?
There is a misconception that mothers should always stop breastfeeding when they become pregnant again. However, this is not true. If you are healthy and have a normal pregnancy, you can comfortably breastfeed your baby.
It’s a good idea to see your doctor to make sure you have a healthy pregnancy and can continue nursing.
But, usually, tandem feeding is not bad. In fact, it can also have some benefits.
Benefits of Tandem Feeding
Here are some benefits of tandem feeding:
Helping Toddlers Cope Better
Toddlers often go through a lot of emotions when a new baby comes into the family. Caregiving is a way for them to calm down and feel secure. So, tandem feeding can be better for the baby than sudden weaning.
Increased Milk Supply
The production of breast milk is usually driven by the need for it. So when both babies are feeding, it adds to your breast milk supply. Newborns nurse more often and toddlers may not nurse as often. So, it is quite possible that both children are nursing at different times. Thus, the mother’s breasts receive more stimulation for milk production resulting in increased or even excess supply of breast milk.
A Bond Opportunity
Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience that involves the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin promotes romance and bonding. While a mother who does tandem feeding can continue to share a loving bond with her children, it can also be an opportunity for siblings to bond over breastfeeding at the same time.
Less Chance of Large Breasts
When milk comes in after the birth of a newborn, some mothers face the problem of enlarged breasts and clogged milk ducts. When you are also caring for a toddler, the chances of this happening are greatly reduced. Because a toddler nurses with greater pleasure, the mother can relieve sore breasts.
Tips for Tandem Feeding
Below are some tips for tandem feeding:
- Let the newborn nurse first after you give birth so they can get the nutrient-rich colostrum.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to compensate for increased breastfeeding.
- Show your baby some love when they have to wait for their turn to breastfeed. Having an extra caregiver can definitely help.
- Breastfeeding two children can be exhausting. Take a few hours off from breastfeeding while someone else watches the kids.
- Wear nursing bras and maternity clothes with nursing access to make on-demand feeding easy and convenient.
- If you have an extra milk supply, use nursing pads to cover leaks and prevent wetness around the breast.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful journey, and if you have two babies with you on the journey, it can give you double the joy. Just know that you are enough, and know that you can always ask for help. Try to relax and enjoy this time and all the wonderful bonding moments it brings.
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