Tandem nursing

Subject: Tandem nursing Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:56 pm

Nipple soreness and engorgement after birth

During pregnancy, nipple pain is generally caused by hormones. By contrast, if you notice nipple pain in the early days after your baby is born, you should assume there is a problem in need of a solution. Although nipple pain in the early days (usually peaking at 3-7 days postpartum) is common, it is not necessarily normal. A common problem leading to sore nipples is an ineffective latch. Although you are experienced with nursing, your newborn is not, and you will need to find your way together to the best latch.
The sensation of fullness when the milk “comes in” is likely to come earlier for you now that you are a second-time-mom. This feeling of fullness is believed to be a sign that your supply has just begun to exceed demand. From here on your body is prepared to make milk in proportion to your children’s demand (plus some extra for good measure). Tandem nursing moms can make as much milk as mothers nursing twins.
Engorgement is a common problem in the early days for mothers whether they are tandem nursing or not. The most important thing you can do to reduce engorgement is to ensure that your baby has frequent opportunity to suckle at the breast. As a tandem nursing mother you have an ace in the hole: your toddler! Your toddler’s nursing can relieve engorgement, and a less full breast may also be easier for your newborn to latch onto.

Does my newborn always need to nurse first?

Although you may be advised to make sure the newborn always nurses first, this advice usually only holds for the first few days until your milk “comes in.” Prior to this point your breasts are making colostrum for the newborn (and it will transition into “mature milk” in the early weeks). This “liquid gold” is high in immune properties and agents that prepare the newborn’s gut for the milk to come. Because colostrum is in limited supply after birth, you will want to be sure that your newborn gets first dibs.
Often tandem nursing mothers find they have such abundant supplies after their milk comes in that little coordination is necessary. By monitoring your newborn’s pattern of nursing and signs of sufficient milk, you will know how best to coordinate your nurslings.

What positions are best for tandem nursing?

To find your best arrangement you will need to experiment and to try a variety of pillows (including a U-shaped nursing pillow). The positioning that works best is likely to change as your baby grows. Following are some options to consider:

Initially, semi-reclining (with pillows behind your back) may be easier than sitting or lying flat.
Double-cradle: both children in cradle position, with newborn’s legs resting on toddler.
Double-football: toddler can have his/her head on a nursing pillow and body stretching away on the couch; alternatively, your toddler can be sitting next to you with knees away from you.
Various combinations with one child in cradle position & one child in football hold.
Try side-lying with the newborn on the bed; you can then have your toddler perch on your side, or kneel behind you and dip his head down (pop-over nursing position).
Lying on your back: you can prop a child on each side with a pillow supporting their bodies.

Simultaneous nursing can be hard to coordinate at first, and for some women it triggers a strong agitation. It may get easier as your baby gets older and more used to nursing, and as your toddler gets used to the baby. Many mothers find that nursing each separately works well (and yes, this is still “tandem nursing”!).

How does tandem nursing affect sibling rivalry?

Many tandem nursing mothers say that “reduced sibling rivalry” is one of the biggest advantages of tandem nursing. Some nurslings hold hands while they nurse and prefer to nurse together. But it is important to bear in mind that some emotional upheaval is natural when a toddler is getting used to a new baby in the house. You may find that some negativity arises between you and your older nursling (for instance, howling if you say “not right now” or “okay that’s enough for now”) or between the nurslings (such as kicking). Having realistic expectations can help you take these ups and downs in stride.

How can I answer critics?

The first thing to bear in mind is that your breastfeeding relationship is a private one between yourself and your child. Although everyone is entitled to their opinion, you need not feel that you must defend or explain your choices.
Having said that, it is also important to recognize that people who sound critical may simply be inexperienced with this topic. After all, most tandem nursing mothers simply “find” themselves there, it’s not usually something that mothers set out to do from the beginning.
If you wish to offer a little education, you can let the other person know that it is safe (and point them to the latest information) and that breastfeeding offers nutritional and immunological advantages for the entire time a child nurses. Let them know that as the mother, you are assuming the responsibility to make decisions around your children’s health, and that after looking into it you judge this to be for the best. If the person worries that it will take a toll on you, let them know the ways in which continued breastfeeding is helping you, for instance in finding time to put your feet up while meeting the needs of baby and toddler. (You can also suggest a way for them to genuinely help you conserve your energy, by making lunch for your toddler or taking him to the park!) And when it comes to tandem nursing it is always fun to remind people that we have two breasts, and that yes, miraculously, a mother’s body can make plenty of milk for all.

from http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/index.html

more information:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/tandem.html
http://www.llli.org//NB/NBtandem.html
http://www.myntoddler.com/comments/index.shtml?cat=tandem
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