If you are still breastfeeding your baby or toddler and find yourself pregnant, you might be wondering what to do in terms of breastfeeding. Do you wean your baby or is it possible to continue to breastfeed? There is no right or wrong answer here but to always choose what works for both you and your family. If you wish to continue to breastfeed your toddler and newborn at the same time (also known as tandem breastfeeding), you can and it is a common, healthy, and safe option.
What is tandem breastfeeding?
Tandem breastfeeding is breastfeeding more than one child during the same period of time. It usually means you will be breastfeeding your older child throughout your pregnancy. There is a misconception that once you are pregnant, you must quit breastfeeding so you don't put your and/or unborn baby's health at risk. However, if you are healthy and your pregnancy is normal, breastfeeding during pregnancy is your choice to make. Do consult with your doctor beforehand and take it from there!
How do you tandem breastfeed?
There are no rigid rules when it comes to tandem breastfeeding as all babies are different and all breastfeeding toddlers have different needs. Hence, you should find a middle ground that works for you and your children and remember that what worked this time could change the next.
Things to keep in mind about tandem breastfeeding:
- Your body will make enough milk to cater to both of your children. If you are worried about your newborn not getting enough milk, allow your newborn to nurse first and then nurse your toddler.
- Once your breast milk supply is more established and you and your baby have found your nursing groove, you may want to consider breastfeeding both children at once if you are up for it.
- When it comes to structuring your feeding routine, it is best to trust that your body will produce enough breast milk for your children. Trust the process, you don't need to control the experience.
Benefits of tandem breastfeeding
There are many benefits you will find if you choose to tandem breastfeed your newborn and older child. It includes:
- Increase breast milk supply. Generally, the more milk is removed from the breasts, the more breast milk will be produced. Hence, those who tandem-breastfeed can make twice as much milk to cater for two children.
- Reduce engorgement and clogged ducts. Your older child can help to relieve engorgement which makes it easier for your newborn to latch on afterwards without dealing with a fast letdown. And if you feel your duct is clogged, ensure your older child nurse on that side to avoid it turning into mastitis.
- Connect your newborn and toddler. It can help to ease the transition into a new family dynamic and promote sibling bonding by giving them an activity they can partake in together.
Tips for tandem breastfeeding
If you are considering tandem breastfeeding, here are some tips that may help you in the process.
- Drink tons of water and eat plenty of calories as breastfeeding through pregnancy and jumping into tandem breastfeeding is physically demanding. Consume a diet rich in whole grains, good fats, protein, and leafy vegetables. You will also need to drink at least 2.5 litres of fluid a day to meet the demands of pregnancy and lactation.
- Let your newborn nurse first. During the first week, your breasts will produce colostrum, a fluid that contains antibodies and is beneficial to your newborn. After a week or so when the milk comes in, it is up to you to decide but you always want to make sure your growing baby is getting enough milk since that is their only source of food and nutrients.
- Be empathetic. The transition to a new baby affects everyone emotionally, but even more so for a toddler who might not yet fully understand what is going on. When it comes to tandem breastfeeding, your older child suddenly needs to learn to wait as the baby latches and share something that was once only theirs. If your toddler is being needier, try to be empathetic.
- Take care of yourself as tandem breastfeeding is a lot of work, physically and emotionally. Get support from your mommy friends and take a break if you feel like you're losing yourself. Most importantly, listen to your body!
