Tandem Breastfeeding

Help the mother to balance the needs of the mother, the older child and the baby.

Newborn

• Encourage her to dedicate breastfeeding to the new infant during the first 24 to 72-hours or until the milk comes in. The older baby or toddler will have access to other nutrition sources.
• Ensure that nutritional needs of her newborn are met prior to feeding the toddler at home.

Older baby/toddler

• A mother may need to set limits for the older baby (e.g. morning, nap time and bedtime nursing). 
• Encourage the mother to have “soft” toys, activities and books for the older baby available nearby while nursing the newborn.
• Try to give older infant “special nursing times” separate from the newborn.

Mother

• Mother may feel “touched out.” Encourage her to take time for herself (e.g. a nap, a walk, a long bath, reading a good book, etc.).
• The older infant can assist with stimulation to bring the milk in faster as needed.
• Nurse the newborn and older baby or toddler in tandem to cut down on time. For some mothers this can be too much stimulation at one time, so she may need to feed separately.
• Encourage mom to “eat to hunger” and “drink to thirst.” She will have increased nutritional needs. 
• Encourage her to attend a breastfeeding support group. Interaction with other mothers who have successfully tandem-nursed through a pregnancy can be helpful.
• If mother finds tandem nursing uncomfortable, encourage her to wean the older baby or toddler gradually. Dad, a partner or caregiver can be especially helpful during this time. They can help through distracting the toddler in play, nap times, meals and bedtime.

1. Campbell, S. H., Lauwers, J., Mannel, R., & Spencer, B. (2019). Core curriculum for interdisciplinary lactation care. Jones & Bartlett Learning. 
2. Lawrence, R. A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2016). Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession (8th ed.). Elsevier. 
3. Mohrbacher, N. (2010). Breastfeeding answers made simple: A guide for helping mothers. Hale Publishing.