A heated discussion about tandem breastfeeding has erupted on social media. While some are in favor of breastfeeding two siblings of different ages and often beyond the first year of life, others do not approve of it, since such a long breastfeeding period is unusual. A discussion also arose with Janni Hönscheid (photo), 28, on Instagram a few days ago. However, she also encouraged Sara Kulka to post a picture of her two children and herself breastfeeding in tandem after more than three years.
Tandem breastfeeding is still not considered accepted in society, although it is the most natural thing between a mother and her children. In fact, it’s not as complicated as you might think.
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breastfeeding during pregnancy
As a rule, it rarely happens that a new pregnancy begins during lactation. But sometimes it happens quite quickly that a mother becomes pregnant again after giving birth to her child. Many mothers then ask themselves whether breastfeeding during pregnancy is even possible and how it affects both children.
In principle, breastfeeding during pregnancy is not a problem. No nutrients are denied or deprived of the unborn child. On the other hand, the body compensates by reducing breast milk production. To ensure that this does not happen and that both the older child and the unborn child get enough nutrients, you should pay attention to your diet and the amount you drink.
How does breast milk change during pregnancy?
Since the taste of breast milk changes during a new pregnancy and hormones in the second trimester of pregnancy ensure that the amount of milk is reduced, it is not uncommon for the first child to wean itself. If your nipples are too sensitive and painful towards the end of pregnancy, you shouldn’t have a guilty conscience if you stop breastfeeding. However, if you do not have any symptoms, your child can suckle dry until birth, even if no milk is flowing. After birth, both children can then be breastfed.
When should breastfeeding be stopped during pregnancy?
- For pain in the uterus
- If bleeding occurs
- If you have had a previous premature birth
Does breastfeeding induce labor during pregnancy?
Although breastfeeding releases the cuddle hormone oxytocin, which is also responsible for childbirth, breastfeeding alone does not induce labor. In order for labor to begin and the birth process to begin, the child must also be ready for it.
Tandem breastfeeding after childbirth
After the birth comes the time when tandem breastfeeding takes place and the baby and toddler each get one breast. It is an advantage if you prepare your first child for the fact that it will soon have to share and that the baby will need the breast more and more frequently. Especially in the first few days after birth, the baby should come first so that it gets enough nutrient-rich colostrum (colostrum).
After these days, it doesn’t matter when and in what order the children drink. Try to find your own rhythm there. With some mothers both children drink at the same time, with others at different times. In the case of particularly high milk production or feelings of tension, for example, the older child can help to relieve the pressure. Rely on your gut feeling to find the right way and the most comfortable position for all three. If tandem breastfeeding is not successful, there is no reason to worry.
Pros & cons of tandem breastfeeding
advantages
- Both children benefit from breast milk: Studies show that breast milk supports the development of the immune system, energy balance and long-term disease resistance in children of the papid diet age.
- Tandem breastfeeding also affects the emotional bond as the older child does not feel second in line after the birth of the sibling. Jealousy reactions are thus eliminated or milder.
- If the children are breastfed together, this promotes the bond between the children and the mother. Tandem breastfeeding is one of many ways to give children emotional security.
- In general, there are no disadvantages in tandem breastfeeding from a health point of view. A balanced diet is important for the composition of breast milk.
- Long-term breastfeeding can be exhausting and also means giving yourself plenty of time in everyday life to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
- Society is so conditioned that breastfeeding after the first year of life is unusual and frowned upon. Mothers who breastfeed in tandem should therefore react with self-confidence and stand above their decisions.
