Breastfeeding - Tandem Nursing

Tandem nursing means nursing a baby while you're also nursing a toddler or young child. For nursing more than one baby of the same age, see breastfeeding multiples.

• Few women tandem nurse, but those who do seldom regret it.
• Tandem nursing is a good way to avoid sibling rivalry. If your older child asks to nurse, let her or him. She or he may then decide not to continue. Or, if she or he does want to continue nursing, fine. Either way, you'll have a happier child.
• Don't worry about your milk supply. You'll have plenty. Yes, your older child will be taking some of your milk, but that will just cause your breasts to produce that much more. The only thing you need to avoid is letting your older child nurse immediately before your baby. Doing this occasionally is OK, but don't do it regularly. It's OK, however, if you restrict your older child to one breast per feeding. You probably won't need to worry about all this, as most older children will want to nurse just once or twice a day, which won't be a problem for the baby.
• There might also be times when your older child's nursing will help the baby. If the baby is going through a nursing strike for example, or can't nurse effectively due to sickness, your older child's nursing will help you maintain your milk supply. If your older child is old enough to communicate, you can ask her or him to nurse more often, and tell her or him why. Most children will take extreme pleasure in helping you when you need them.
• If you are about to adopt a baby that you wish to breastfeed, you can ask your older child to continue nursing to maintain your milk supply--don't force her or him to nurse if she or he does not want to, however.
• Some mothers find that they resent the older child's nursing. If you feel this way, you might consider weaning. Weaning before a child is ready will hurt her or him, but continuing nursing might hurt more if your child can tell that it's bothering you, and children are very sensitive to your feelings.
• See also
  • Weaning.
  • Dealing with criticism
  • Nursing a toddler
  • Nursing a young child

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