The Benefits of Tandem Breastfeeding For You And Your Children

It’s easy to get pregnant when you’re still nursing a toddler, and it can even take you by surprise. But what do you do when the baby comes?

You don’t have to stop breastfeeding your toddler at all. Even though your hands will be full with a newborn and a toddler around, you can still meet both of their breastfeeding needs; it's called tandem breastfeeding!

It’s not so different from being a mom with twins, but the kids are going to be of different ages. It may come with its challenges, but there are benefits to tandem breastfeeding.

1. You Will Have Enough Milk

You might be worried that you’re going to run out of breastmilk because your toddler is bigger, but don’t worry, your body is going to compensate to make up for the demand. So both your babies will have enough milk!

You should feed your newborn first and then your toddler; this is so that your newborn gets all the nutrients from the milk first. You’ll be comforted by the fact that if you do run dry, your toddler will be able to eat solids.

2. Bonding Time

It’s going to get overwhelming trying to meet the demands of both your children and toddlers can have great difficulty adjusting to the new baby's presence. But feeding time can help your toddler adjust.

The toddler might try to feed at the same time as the baby, but they get to bond with each other during this time. You might want to wait for your body to keep up the supply to nurse both children.

3. Say Goodbye To Engorgement

When you’re lactating, your breasts can become engorged with milk, and it can be painful and make it difficult for a newborn to feed. And if you haven’t fed from a breast in a while, there’s a risk of forming a plugged duct, which can be painful and lead to an infection called mastitis.

Have your toddler feed on the breast you need help alleviating swelling, and even when you feel like a duct could be plugged. They can help reduce your pain and make it easier for the newborn to latch!

4. You Get To Keep An Eye On Them

Kids have a way of getting in trouble, especially when you’re distracted and busy. Tandem breastfeeding keeps both of them in your line of sight and out of trouble.

Don’t Forget To Take Care Of Yourself

Keeping up with the milk demand of a toddler and a newborn can be difficult. You could be exhausted, hungry, and dying of thirst because you’re the milk factory for two growing kids!

Remember to make time for yourself, take naps, keep eating good food, and drink plenty of fluids to keep up your production. And ask for help if you need it because raising kids takes a village!