Reasons for Tandem Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is 6 months old. After that, the AAP recommends continuing to breastfeed until at least 2 years and then as long as is mutually desired. WHO also recommends breastfeeding until at least 2 years and beyond. Sometimes when people become pregnant again very quickly after the birth of their older child, they may not have yet met their breastfeeding goals and want to continue. When a toddler continues to breastfeed after a new sibling is born, they get the added benefits that colostrum (the very first milk) provides—namely the highly concentrated immune benefits. Some parents want to continue to provide their toddlers with the emotional benefits that breastfeeding offers. When siblings are very close in age, tandem nursing may reduce the likelihood that your older child feels displaced by the new baby. If you are not ready to wean your older child or practice child-led weaning, tandem nursing may be a reasonable option. In addition, some parents want to breastfeed an adopted baby. For them, tandem nursing offers the opportunity to breastfeed without having to induce lactation.
Types of Tandem Nursing
While breastfeeding during pregnancy is not considered tandem nursing, it is often a precursor to it. Be aware that as your pregnancy progresses, your breast milk will change. The hormones of pregnancy may affect your milk supply and make breastfeeding uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to talk to your child about this if it happens. You may find that you need to set some boundaries around breastfeeding. When your breast milk returns to colostrum, your older child may not like that they’re not getting as much milk. They may also dislike the change in the flavor. When your milk “comes in” and transitions over to mature milk, your older child may show more interest in nursing again. This return of enthusiasm could be due to the increase in your milk supply, the desire to feel closer to you, or both. Every parent handles the mechanics of tandem nursing differently. Some choose to nurse their baby and toddler at the same time. Others like to nurse their children separately. There is no “right” way to tandem nurse.
How to Breastfeed 2 Children
Keep in mind that a newborn breastfeeds at least every two to three hours throughout the day and night. Since your breast milk is produced by supply and demand, you don’t need to worry too much that your toddler will “steal” the milk your baby needs. Still, some parents like to nurse their newborn first and then allow their toddler to nurse, especially in the early weeks. The great thing about toddlers is that they are natural acrobats and can probably accommodate any new breastfeeding positions that you propose. For example, holding your baby and toddler in a cradle hold on either side can work out as long as your toddler is careful not to kick their sibling inadvertently. A double football hold places your toddler’s feet behind you, limiting the risk of flying limbs. Your children don’t always have to be in the same position, though—one can be in a cradle hold while the other is in the football hold, for instance. Talk with your older child before your new little one arrives. Let them know that their new sibling will need to nurse, too. Explain that a baby cannot eat and drink other types of snacks and foods the way they can, so the baby will need to nurse a lot more. If you prepare your toddler in advance, it may be a little easier for them to share breastfeeding with a new sibling. Also, be sure to tell your children’s doctor that you’re nursing your older child along with your newborn. Your pediatrician will carefully monitor your newborn’s growth during the first few weeks to ensure that they are getting enough breast milk and growing at a healthy, consistent pace.
Tips for Tandem Nursing
While you’re nursing two children, your body will need more energy to make more breast milk. So be sure to eat a well-balanced diet, get some extra healthy calories each day, and drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. It can be exhausting to meet the nursing needs of a newborn and a toddler. Postpartum fatigue can interfere with breastfeeding and your breast milk supply. Don’t overdo it, and try to get as much rest as possible. Let the housework go, put your feet up, take a nap, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. If you are concerned about tandem nursing, or if you have any questions about nursing a newborn and an older child at the same time, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant. Local breastfeeding groups are also great places to find acceptance, support, and advice.
Potential Challenges
Tandem nursing can offer a sense of closeness and help with the new baby transition, but it also comes with challenges. Since you are meeting two little people’s needs, you might find that you feel overwhelmed or touched out sometimes. Be prepared for bumps in the road, and adjust your expectations and plans if you need to.
Oversupply
The extra stimulation that your older child provides at your breast will help to increase your supply of breast milk. Often, in the first few weeks, your supply will adjust to feeding both of your children in the same way that it would for someone who is breastfeeding twins. You may even end up with an overabundant milk supply. If you have breast milk oversupply, you can do things to manage it, like lying back while breastfeeding and nursing only from one breast. Be sure to seek support from your doctor or a lactation consultant if you experience a breast milk oversupply.
Lack of Support
Others may not understand or support your decision. You may feel pressure from your spouse, family members, or friends to wean your older child. However, if your newborn is growing and gaining weight well, you can continue to tandem nurse for as long as you feel comfortable. The benefits of breastfeeding your older child do not end once they turn 6 months or even a year old. On the contrary, breastfeeding will continue to provide many health and developmental benefits for your child well after the first year.
A Word From Verywell
Breastfeeding your older child along with your newborn can be tiring, but it can also be a rewarding experience. As long as everyone is satisfied with the situation, you can choose to continue nursing both children together for as long as you feel comfortable. If your child is under 1, be sure to talk to their doctor about supplementing until they turn 1 year old. Gentle conversations can go a long way with a toddler. It may not quell their frustration, but it can help them understand and eventually accept what is happening. Distractions, limiting the duration or frequency of breastfeeding, substitutions (like a special snack or cup with milk), and cuddles tend to be good ways to encourage your toddler to find new ways to self-soothe.
