What is tandem breastfeeding? In the following article, you’ll learn how simultaneous breastfeeding works and what to consider.
This term means, as the word itself explains, breastfeeding two or more children at the same time.
In many cases, mothers breastfeed a toddler and the newborn baby at the same time.
When you mention simultaneous breastfeeding or tandem breastfeeding, you immediately think of twins or even triplets being fed in tandem.
But tandem breastfeeding of twins and triplets is not the topic today.
This article is about mothers who feed two children of different ages at the same time or one after the other.
For a long time there was a misconception that breastfeeding had to stop after a certain period of time or if the mother became pregnant again and had to stop breastfeeding quickly in order not to “endanger” the unborn baby.
Today we know that these claims are not true and, if a pregnancy is proceeding normally and is beneficial to both the child and the mother, continuing to breastfeed or stopping breastfeeding should be a personal decision for the mother.
Breastfeeding, weaning, long-term breastfeeding, etc. are all terms that are very well known in mother circles and everyone knows more or less what they mean.
The term tandem breastfeeding is a little different and before you get dirty looks or judge someone, you should find out what it actually is.
Each woman decides for herself how long she wants to breastfeed and when the right time is to stop breastfeeding.
Unfortunately, the topic of breastfeeding in public is still a big taboo.
Even though breastfeeding mothers, especially those who breastfeed for longer than “normal,” are often looked at askance by the public, there are more and more mothers who continue to breastfeed their children during the next pregnancy and, once the baby is born, continue with tandem breastfeeding.
Let’s make one thing clear right from the start – tandem breastfeeding is like any other decision when it comes to breastfeeding – a personal one!
Tandem breastfeeding is a relatively new term and even today, breastfeeding mothers are still advised to stop breastfeeding when a second child is on the way, for a variety of reasons, often not necessarily.
But the decision whether you want to continue breastfeeding your baby during pregnancy is entirely up to you and before you embark on this adventure, I would like to tell you a little about tandem breastfeeding.
Because a breastfeeding relationship is also a kind of relationship between two people, in this case between you and your child, and relationships are dynamic, situation-dependent and oriented towards the needs of the people involved.
First, I will explain to you what tandem breastfeeding is and then lay out some facts about it.
Because here, as with all motherhood issues, there is no black or white, but many factors play an important or less important role.
What is tandem breastfeeding?
Tandem breastfeeding is the breastfeeding of two siblings of different ages at the same time.
Having a sibling can be a very unsettling experience for many young children, especially those who are too young to fully understand the event.
It is clear that changes are inevitable with a sibling, but tandem breastfeeding can calm and help the older child because they know that mom’s breast is still a safe place.
In addition, breast milk not only provides the older child with important nutrients that protect it from disease, but also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child , which makes the transition to the larger family easier.
An older child can make breastfeeding easier for the newborn baby, for example when the milk flow is too strong, the breasts are too swollen for the baby to accept, or promote milk production when there is too little milk or when there is engorgement.
For breastfeeding mothers, demand determines the quantity, and if two children need to be breastfed, Mother Nature will ensure that the needs of both children can be met without any problems.
Can mothers continue breastfeeding during pregnancy?
Although the opposite was long thought and discouraged, it is possible to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
During a new pregnancy, a mother may often experience increased nipple pain, and some mothers experience pain so severe that they have to stop breastfeeding.
Some infants resume feeding once nipple pain subsides, although for others this may mean the end of the breastfeeding relationship.
About half of the mothers reported that their milk supply decreased with a subsequent pregnancy.
However, this is due to hormonal changes and there is little that can be done to prevent it.
If the first baby is less than one year old, another source of nutrition may be needed until after the next birth.
The taste of breast milk can also change, which some children don’t like, and weaning occurs because as early as the 16th week of pregnancy the milk can convert back into colostrum and thus the taste of the milk can change.
Although colostrum is packed with nutrients for every baby, it has a salty taste and toddlers may refuse to drink it.
Colostrum also acts as a laxative and helps your newborn pass their first meconium stool.
Because it has this laxative effect, the toddler may also experience a change in his stool pattern, so pay attention to this.
You should know that if you become pregnant again and are still breastfeeding your first child, there are no disadvantages for your unborn baby.
Breastfeeding during pregnancy is not a problem as long as you feel comfortable with it.
You also don’t have to worry that your unborn child will not get enough nutrients, provided you make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy .
Advantages of tandem breastfeeding
• The amount of milk increases
Generally, the more milk is extracted, the more milk is produced, so those mothers who practice tandem breastfeeding produce twice as much milk and can easily feed two children.
Because tandem breastfeeding involves both breasts being emptied simultaneously and more frequently, mothers who tandem feed are more likely to have increased milk production.
The breasts are stimulated more frequently, which causes the mammary glands to produce more milk.
For mothers who have breastfed for a long time and also during pregnancy, milk production can come in more quickly after birth, which significantly supports the newborn’s weight gain.
• Prevents milk stasis and clogged mammary glands
The toddler can help relieve any swelling and “hard” breasts, which can make it much easier for the newborn baby to latch on and suckle, rather than having to deal with disappointment.
A newborn has difficulty sucking from hard and swollen breasts, which can quickly lead to frustration on both sides.
In addition, blocked ducts or mammary glands can quickly lead to mastitis, which is the last thing a woman needs once the baby arrives.
• Connects toddler and baby
Tandem breastfeeding can eliminate jealousy among siblings.
Breastfeeding the older child during pregnancy and tandem breastfeeding with the sibling after birth has a positive effect on the older child.
It helps the first child get used to the new baby and promotes bonding between the two siblings because they have the opportunity to participate in the same activity.
This way, the older sibling won’t feel left out, but rather be able to participate and feel included. So, Mom, if this idea appeals to you, go ahead.
Tips for tandem breastfeeding
• Pay attention to fluid intake and eat healthy
Breastfeeding during pregnancy and subsequent tandem breastfeeding are physically demanding. Both during pregnancy and breastfeeding require more calories, nutrients, and fluids.
On average, breastfeeding requires an additional 500 calories per day and pregnancy requires an additional 300 calories.
It would be good if you take vitamins and eat a healthy diet during pregnancy.
A balanced diet rich in grains, good fats, vegetables, fruit and at least 2.5 liters of water per day will help you meet your needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Your newborn should be fed first
In the first few days after delivery, your breasts will produce colostrum, also known as pre-milk.
Colostrum is a fluid that contains antibodies and has many benefits for your newborn.
Colostrum can have a laxative effect on your older child, causing changes in their bowel movements, and since the breast is your newborn’s only source of nutrition, and your older child is probably already eating solids, the baby should always take priority.
The composition of breast milk is adapted to the newborn and it may also be possible that the older sibling will not like it as much.
But don’t worry, after the first week the taste of your milk will change again and if the older child wants to continue breastfeeding, you will have enough milk for both of them.
In the first few months, the amount will adjust to your needs, so you don’t have to worry about whether you will have enough milk for both children.
• Prepare for increased demand from the older child
Even if your toddler only breastfed once or twice a day during pregnancy, you may find that now that the baby is here, they want to breastfeed every time the baby breastfeeds.
Such an experience can be a little overwhelming for you at first, especially during the postpartum period , while you are dealing with hormonal changes and lack of sleep.
But don’t worry, for most children this is just a transitional behavior.
• You will need greater empathy
The transition to a new baby in the house is a highly emotional experience for everyone, but even more so for a toddler who may not fully understand what is happening.
When it comes to tandem breastfeeding, your toddler suddenly has to learn to wait while the baby feeds, alternate both breasts, and share something that used to be all theirs.
You may feel overwhelmed in these moments, but be gentle with your toddler and yourself, Mom!
• Don’t forget self-care
Tandem breastfeeding sounds easy, but in reality it is a lot of work, not only physically but also emotionally.
There will certainly be days when you feel more irritable or sensitive than usual.
Because it is not always the peaceful image that is firmly anchored in the minds of many women when breastfeeding is mentioned.
Tandem breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for you as a mother and for your siblings, but it is important to know that simultaneous breastfeeding will be physically and emotionally demanding.
You will need to address your needs and prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and adequate hydration.
Because your well-being is much more important for your children than your breast milk, which is not possible without sufficient rest, a healthy diet and fluid intake.
Find a lactation consultant or other support person who will guide you through your tandem breastfeeding journey and with whom you can talk about your feelings without judgment or guilt.
Self-care doesn’t have to mean traveling to another place or treating yourself to a wellness weekend; a hot shower, a cup of your favorite tea, favorite music or a good book are also part of self-care and although they are small things, they make a big difference.
This will allow you to relax for a while and feel fresher and more relaxed.
Can breastfeeding during pregnancy induce labor?
Although it’s not true, you’ve probably heard or even read that breastfeeding during pregnancy can cause premature labor.
However, this is a false assumption, assuming it is a healthy pregnancy without complications.
It is true that oxytocin is released during breastfeeding and that this hormone is responsible for initiating labor, but only when the unborn baby is ready.
However, there are reasons when weaning during pregnancy makes sense and these are:
• If bleeding occurs.
• If you feel pain in your uterus.
• If you have had premature births.
Final thoughts
Dear Mom, if you’re reading this, you’ve probably just found out about your second pregnancy, but you’re still breastfeeding your first child.
Whether your baby is just a few months old or a few years old, breastfeeding is very beneficial and healthy for both you and your child.
You don’t need to feel guilty if the idea of tandem breastfeeding appeals to you.
As a mother, you always want the best for your children, even if you step out of the ordinary.
Tandem breastfeeding is certainly not common, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong or incorrect.
Unfortunately, one thing is certain: you will probably be confronted with many strange looks, even from your closest circle.
However, this should not discourage you or make you sad, because I am quite sure that over time, one report after another will be read and that tandem breastfeeding will slowly but surely become accepted.
So, mom, grab your nursing pillow and enjoy this special and precious relationship with your little ones.
