Tandem Nursing: Is this possible?

[bdoody11]

I have a DD that just turned 3 and a new baby due in 3 months. My plan has been to tandem nurse all along, but my mom and DH thinks it may be time to wean.

I will admit that I'm ambivalent. I would love to only nurse one, but I don't want to do anything to harm DDs and I relationship. I guess my question is, can I still have a very abbreviated nursing schedule even with the baby nursing 24/7? Right now I nurse her at night and in the morning. I can't go back to nursing 2 all the time. If setting limits is going to be impossible, I may want to wean now.

As you can see, I'm conflicted and confused...Any help would be appreciated...

[HoldensMama]

I have a 3 yr old boy and I just had my second boy 1 1/2 weeks ago. I was a little scared to tandem for the same reason you are. Basically we were down to morning and night and if he was hurt or something. Since baby was born he has started asking to nurse a little more but not as much as I expected.

I have found that I really don't mind the one or two more nursing sessions with ds1 since it's an easy and quick way to reconnect with him for that couple minutes. I just remind him that baby needs to nurse a lot to grow big and strong like him and that when he nurses it needs to be short. He's been great and understanding for the most part.

Anyway, that has been my experience so far. Good luck with your decision!

[LianneM]

Tandem nursing was a lifesaver for me when my DD was born. It allowed me to meet the needs of both of my kids at the same time - that is a rare feat! It also allowed the two of them to bond in a special way.

It was not hard at all for me to set limits, after the first few weeks. I would recommend against trying to set any kind of schedule in the beginning while everyone gets adjusted, including you. Then you can set reasonable limits and I'm sure it will be fine. A 3yo can understand that she can eat solids while the baby can only nurse. It was a non-issue for us.

I was concerned about the oldest one weaning while still nursing the younger. My son just turned 5 and that was the end of nursing - he decided it would be the end and I supported that and held the boundary when he wavered, and it's been great. I was worried he would not understand why his sister still got to nurse, but it has been completely fine - he gets it. Anyway, that's our experience.

HTH some

[woodchick]

DD1 was 3mos shy of 3years when her little sister was born. She was THRILLED to share her milks with the baby and 'teach' her how to nurse.

I truely believe that it smoothed the transition from 1 to 2 for us.

DD1 is almost 4 now and nurses once a day or so still.

[ElliesMomma]

Originally Posted by woodchick

DD1 was 3mos shy of 3years when her little sister was born. She was THRILLED to share her milks with the baby and 'teach' her how to nurse.

I truely believe that it smoothed the transition from 1 to 2 for us.

DD1 is almost 4 now and nurses once a day or so still.

my DD was also so happy to share the milk with the new baby, and it also eased the transition to having a sibling.

she readily understood that the baby needed the milk *first* b/c it was all that he ate. whereas for her the milk is a "nutritious snack" (she will use that line herself now).

we've discussed CLW, and she says she feels so lucky that i haven't said "no more" nursing. (she also says she will "never stop nursing" haha).

tandem nursing is very doable if you want to do it.

if you want to do it, don't let your mother and your husband be the deciding factors. it's not their relationship... it's yours, with your child.

[bdoody11]

Thanks, everyone. I've decided for now not to wean before the baby is born. It is only 12 weeks away and that just feels too soon. Also, as I said, I was ambivalent and I never make life changing decisions like this unless I'm completely sure. So no weaning for now.

It's good to hear all of your positive stories! Thanks!