On tandem breastfeeding, and other questions related to breastfeeding, offers answers the LactApp application that we have already presented in Mothers Today; It is a topic that deserves expansion, if only to make visible those moms who breastfeed two children (or more) of different ages. When we talk about this lactation we refer to those times when the older child has not been weaned during pregnancy, and shares mother's milk with the baby when the baby is born.
I have been one of those moms, and although my experience was not as beautiful as others that I read in the lactation or parenting forums (at that time Facebook was just emerging, and Twitter was simply non-existent), it was worth not having forced the oldest (I was only 18 months old when I got pregnant again) to give up the tit. In the photos I appear with clothes and go home, disheveled, and hardly able to move with two children in my arms; maybe I would do it again, but I would do it better, that's why I have collected the following information that may help.
Breastfeeding is surrounded by myths: what if your milk runs out, that if he does not feed from one age (we will expand on another occasion), that if the brother is going to “steal” the milk that you need so much from the baby, that if you do not give a breast while pregnant: my neighbor has said that you could abort '; that's why you should always try to find reliable sources.
Tandem Breastfeeding - So What's That?
It is a totally unpredictable situation, and it is very difficult to know how it will go. for many experiences you have read: I looked at pictures of children sucking at the same time and holding each other's hands, that did not happen to me, indeed, I would also qualify as a myth that 'there will be no jealousy if they breastfeed at the same time'. If the decision is made and there is help, there is no reason why difficulties arise, but be very careful with also breastfeeding the older 'without love' or looking at him 'as a nuisance' because you prefer to spend more time with the little one. Breastfeeding is a natural act, but there are times when mothers must introspect, be honest with what we feel and act accordingly.
I suppose it is more frequent when the little ones take a very little time (18 months, 2, 3, 4 years ... that is a short time difference to raise - depending on how you look at it, of course -) and surely the older one has not yet received enough mothering to feel safe. That's why this type of breastfeeding makes sense.
Before I start to describe the advantages and disadvantages, before giving you some useful tips, I would like to point something out: What have you read that the oldest child usually takes shots on demand again once the baby is born? Well, it is true: both at the same time as many times a day as necessary, on one breast the sucking of an experienced 2-year-old child, on the other a little one who has just come to life and calmly grabs the nipple each time who is hungry. It is intense and exhausting, but in a way it is also wonderful.
Advantages and disadvantages
After delivery, the baby will benefit from colostrum, but the increase in milk will occur earlier, because (although the small one is preferred, the large one continues to suck and stimulate production). For the same reason engorgement is avoided. Disorders or emotional changes in the older brother can be minimized: the mother does not deny him contact with her body, nor does she stop protecting him with the immunological properties of breast milk. Babies tend to gain weight sooner, and growth crises rarely occur (there is always more milk than is needed).
As I said, for me it is not 100% true that jealousy disappears, but breastfeeding de-stresses, and may minimize the impact of welcoming the new member of the family ... someone who will also attract the attention of mom and dad
As for the downsides: don't magnify them, but it's important to know them. You may be overwhelmed, you may have negative feelings about the elder, you may be overwhelmed ... Remember that it is very important to have support and domestic help, the father or other relatives should take care of the meals, the clothes and the cleaning. As time passes, the older one - and you - will do very well to go out to the park and go for a walk, even if he is young and prefers to spend most of the time with Mom. On the other hand, colostrum has a laxative effect, so your firstborn may make loose poops.
Tandem breastfeeding: more things you want to know
Sure you can breastfeed during pregnancy!
As I have pointed out, it is not necessary to wean the eldest if you become pregnant and still breastfeed: nothing will happen to your new baby, it is totally safe. You may hear that there is a risk of termination of pregnancy, or that the mother is too worn out, but none of this is true. There are many fears around the processes of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting that we must banish, so that each woman with the right information makes the best decision.
The uterine contractions that some moms feel end when the boy or girl finishes nursing. They are due to oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, that is not only involved in breastfeeding, but also in labor, or during orgasms. Now: if you suffer a threatened abortion or premature delivery, the gynecologist must assess the situation, but it is an exceptional situation.
Approximately 60 out of 100 babies who are fed breast milk when the mother becomes pregnant again are weaned; It seems logical to me since since the woman has conceived she experiences changes and can consciously or unconsciously wish to wean, It may also be the girl or the boy who, when noticing changes, reject the breast. Among the changes is a change in taste, but this occurs after a few months; also increased sensitivity in the nipples.
After birth the baby takes priority.
His brother already benefited from colostrum when he was born, it is now his turn: this does not need anyone to assure you, because surely you instinctively do it that way
But this can be so while you produce colostrum, the first few days; then you can let both suck on demand or set limits to the older one (only after eating and before sleeping, etc). It all depends on their age, on how comfortable you feel, and on whether you are able to breastfeed without a feeling of rejection, in which case the child would perceive it because your body transmits it.
Do I listen to what they tell me?
You may find someone who loves myths and legends, well, they are not based on any evidence:
- The older brother does not take the milk from the little one: there is milk for everyone. Chests are a factory and not a warehouse, remember?
- You will not suffer from malnutrition by breastfeeding two at the same time: eat healthy and varied, and drink above all water that hydrates you and helps you feel better.
- Nothing will happen to the unborn baby due to the fact that your other child is still nursing, and there is no problem.
- The illnesses contracted by the elder son will not affect the other: and if they do, it will be to give him defenses.
To finish and as for the postures: you can adopt the double rugby, crossed, lying on its side with the baby on the mattress and holding it, also on the back and with pillows for your children to support.
I hope you liked it, and above all that it can be useful. Really if there is respect for the needs of children according to their ages, and the mother takes care of herself and "takes care", both multiple breastfeeding is possible (twins / twins, triplets) like tandem breastfeeding.
Images - Francisco Jose Galan Leiva, Francisco Jose Galan Leiva, Isabel Garcia Domeño, Mothering Touchhref.