Tandem Feeding

[logan's mum]

Hubby and I are considering trying for number two around January some time, when bubs will be around 8 months. That means that he will be around 17 months when number two comes along. At this point I can't see me stopping breast feeding any time soon. I would love to hear how other mums handled breast feeding during pregnancy and tandem feeding after.

[AM]

I'm currently 21 weeks pg, and still feeding my son who is 19 months old.
It has been pretty good so far, though it was quite tender on my nipples for a few weeks there, and I had many thoughts of weaning, but am so glad i stuck it out, as the tenderness has mostly passed now.

It is getting interesting, finding good positions sitting on a chair nursing, as my belly is beginning to get in the way a bit, but I'm sure we will all adapt!
I think my supply has probably dropped a little, as ds seems to search between the two breasts a lot more than he used to, but sometimes I see a milk stained mouth grinning up at me, so there is definitely still milk there.

I have been told my milk can turn to colostrum from any time now on, so that will be interesting to see ds's reaction to that, some babies decide they don't like the taste anymore, or it is all too much work!

I am really keen to tandem nurse if it works out, i just think that it would help so much with the sibling rivalry thing, and ease the transition for ds.
And the fact that I really want him to wean himself when he is truly ready. :)

All the best, and it is great that you are looking into it, I think it is a very worthwhile thing to do!

[JanetF]

My son is 22 months, a major booby boy and we're ttc. I'm really hoping to tandem feed. What a lovely gift for your children to share :D Go for it!

[logan's mum]

Thanks girls - the more I think about it the more I like the idea. One query though... what happens if one is hungry and the other has pollished off the lot... does this ever happen? Or do they have their own side? Somany questions...

[AM]

From what I have heard from mums who have btdt, the baby always gets the breast first, especially really early on to ensure baby does not miss out on any colostrum, and the older child gets what is left!

I personally will not reserve one breast for each child, I think that would probably cause supply issues, ie, uneven supply.

As your breasts are never really completely empty, I don't think it will be an issue, and toddlers tend to be quite in to comfort nursing anyway. :)

It is really nice to read your questions, as I am in the same place as you really, trying to imagine what it is going to be like, and trying to figure out all of the logistics of it.

Mind you, many have done it, so i'm sure the solutions always present themselves at the time anyway! :D

[logan's mum]

Well it's happened. I'm 12 weeks pregnant and we are still having 3 breastfeeds a day. I have started to give formula of an evening though simply because I am SOOOOO tired, and hubby can now do this one! (Can't be bothered with the breast pump, lol).

All going well so far, so we'll see how we go come October/November!!

[xkwzit]

Hello Logan's Mum

and congratulations on you new bundle.:thumbsup:

Cheers