A Look at Tandem Breastfeeding
The method of breastfeeding twins or two children at one time is known as tandem breastfeeding. Usually tandem breastfeeding occurs with a mother of twins or triplets. This is normal because the mother has two babies to feed. However, a mother of children with very close age gaps can also choose to tandem breastfeed, especially if they feel the older child should still be breastfeeding.
Sometimes mothers who need to tandem breastfeed choose to express milk, finding it easier to feed their children expressed milk than directly breastfeeding them. Other times they choose to feed one child first before feeding the other. This usually happens when the two children have varying appetites. Mothers can also feed both children at one time with one child on each breast.
Having one child on each breast is not possible if a mother has triplets. In this case some mothers choose to express milk for the other child. The feeding demands of three children are not a problem to most mothers. Breasts can produce large enough quantities of milk to feed more than one child.
If a mother is feeding an older child while pregnant, they may notice that their older child will begin to wean from breastfeeding around the sixth or seventh month of the new pregnancy. This is because the milk has changed back into colostrum and some older children do not like the change in taste or drop in milk supply. If your older child doesn’t mind the change, you can continue breastfeeding the older child even while you’ve already begun breastfeeding your younger one.
Breastfeeding an older child along with a newborn actually has benefits for the children. They can learn to bond with each other at a very young age, and the older child will not have a difficult time accepting the new child as part of the family. Some mothers choose to breastfeed till their older children are toddlers. This means that their toddler will be receiving the benefits of breast milk continuously.
Tandem breastfeeding an older child and your new born together can be a moment of bonding between you and your children, as well as a time of peace and quiet for you to rest from the demands children make when they are not breastfeeding or asleep. Just be careful about your breasts and how they’re doing. Continue to examine your breasts and nipples after each feed. Remember that if breastfeeding one can be demanding and cause irritation, imagine what breastfeeding two can cause!
Always look after yourself when breastfeeding. Your health is extremely important because your children depend on it. You have to be healthy enough to breastfeed and healthy enough to be able to care for your children in other ways. If tandem breastfeeding directly is too difficult, consider alternatives, but consult your doctor before making any decisions.
Next Article: A Look at Mixed Feeding
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