Tandem Nursing: You Don't Have to Wean If You're Pregnant

What is tandem nursing? Many women aren't aware of it and I only found out through extreme circumstances. Upon my post-partum checkup with my first child, I was delivered some shocking news: "You're pregnant again!" My baby was only eight weeks old, which meant my next child would be only ten months younger than him. Once the initial shock wore off, I inquired about nursing. Was it safe to do while pregnant? I had just become adjusted to nursing my baby and didn't want to deprive him of the many wonderful benefits. Luckily, I was referred to a lactation consultant who taught me all about tandem nursing, the nursing of two (or more) children of different age.

A healthy mother in a low-risk pregnancy can breastfeed throughout the nine months. If her nursling is under one year of age, the OB/GYN may want to monitor the fetus a little closer to make sure it is thriving at full capacity. A woman who is nursing while pregnant may be advised to take in some additional calories since she is, in essence, now eating for three. However, there is no link between low birth weight or pre-term labor and a nursing mother. The only drawback, as my doctor informed me, is the exhaustion factor. Some mothers may not be up to nursing a hungry, squirmy baby while dealing with morning sickness and fatigue.

Once the new baby is born, this is when tandem nursing begins. Although some mothers tandem nurse at the same time, with baby on one breast and toddler on another, it is not necessary. It may cut down on time spent feeding, however. Two children nursing on different schedules, especially if they are also comfort nursing, means a lot of down time for mom when she needs to be doing other things! The benefits outweigh that, however, as nursing serves two important purposes: nutrition and bonding. It may also be a good way to instill bonding between toddler and baby, as there may be some natural sibling rivalry developing when the baby is born.

Some may wonder how a mother can produce enough milk to nourish more than one child. That is the wonder of mother's milk- a woman's body adapts to however much milk the children need. It is very important, however, for a mother to maintain a healthy diet and continue to take vitamins in order to provide enough nutrients for her and the tandem nurslings. Tandem nursing's not strange if you think about it. Remember, formula is a modern invention and many foreign countries still only breastfeed. It is modern, western civilization that considers extensive breastfeeding (over one year) to be uncommon. In fact, the World Health Organization suggests that children be breastfed for at least two years.

It is important that women become aware of their option to tandem nurse. It may help to prevent sudden, unnecessary weaning that could be psychologically damaging and physically tasking to a young child. An invaluable resource for women interested in learning more about nursing is their local chapter of The La Leche League. Also, contacting one's OB/GYN or pediatrician for lactation consultant references would be a good idea.