Tandem Breastfeeding - positions

[ljmarsden]

Hi,

As my son is still happily breastfeeding away I think I may be tandem breastfeeding when the new baby comes along and I am happy about this (as long as my toddler wants to continue feeding).

I've been reading the tandem breastfeeding tips and experiences of other mums on the 'Tandem Breastfeeding' part of the forum - thank you, these are really helpful. I was wondering if any positions are particularly good for tandem feeding? Did you find you changed your feeding positions as the new baby got older?

Many thanks,

LJ

[5Homebirths4Kate]

Well I've actually never been a tandem breastfeeding mum, but I have seen mums who have fed their twins, and the hold I found that they used most often was the football hold.

However, what I believe is recommended for tandem breastfeeding an infant and a toddler is for mum to feed the infant first, letting him/her have their fill, and then offering the breast to the toddler. This ensures that the infant gets enough milk. If you are offering only one breast per feed, then you may be able to breastfeed both at the same time, but during growth spurts, you may end up offering both sides.

This has just been my observation in what I've seen and read. Hope to have the input from other mums who have tandem breastfed an infant and toddler. So nice that your toddler is enjoying the continued breastfeeding and that your body is managing it well :-)

Warm regards,

Kate

[ljmarsden]

Thank you for your reply Kate.

My toddler doesn't seem to have much milk when he feeds - so I was thinking it would be ok to feed them at the same time. I could then still swap the baby and toddler over (so the baby is drinking significant milk from both breasts). But I know - as you say - some mums feed the baby first.

Yes I am pleased my toddler is still happily breastfeeding! I'm happy to follow his lead with when he wants to stop.

Best wishes,

LJ

[5Homebirths4Kate]

LJ,

It will be interesting to see if your toddler gives up the breast altogether when bub comes, if he seems to want it more, or if he continues "as is".

Warm regards,

Kate

[ljmarsden]

Yes - I've given up trying to predict what will happen! Think I will have to just 'go with the flow'!

Thanks,

LJ