world breastfeeding week: tandem nursing from @mamaglow

This is a repost of original content from @mamaglow. photo by @ellenfisher.

Many mothers want to continue nursing their toddlers when pregnant and when the new baby arrives but think it’s an issue or believe they won’t be able to produce milk for the new baby. 

It’s perfectly fine to continue nursing while pregnant.

It’s important to stay well hydrated and eat well to manage the demands of pregnancy on the body. When pregnant you may have breast tenderness when nursing so setting limits with your toddler may be an option. There are plenty of nutrients your toddler receives while nursing, the composition of your milk will adjust as your toddler grows.

Breastfeeding does stimulate uterine contractions so if you’ve had previous miscarriages it’s important to be mindful of how your body is responding to the frequency you’re nursing. 

Breastfeeding provides comfort, nutrition, normal development of the immune system, as well as social and intellectual development, and breastfed toddlers may be less likely to be picky eaters because of the ever-changing flavor of mommy’s milk.

When your new baby arrives and your uterus expels the placenta, your body will reset to produce colostrum.

The newborn should feed first and on-demand to maximize the consumption of the nutrient-dense, immune-factor-full colostrum. Your toddler will also benefit from colostrum but may have looser stools for a day or two until the milk comes in. 

Your milk supply will adjust to serve your children’s needs.

Breastfeeding for your toddler is about more than sustenance, it’s about bonding, a sense of security and belonging, especially since you will be spending so much time taking care of a new baby. If your toddler is weaned already, you may even find that they take interest in nursing again once the new baby arrives. Our society often looks down on toddlers nursing- but keep it up for as long as you and your little ones want to go.