Is it possible to tandem nurse with one breast?

[mamacita angelica]

Hi,
I'm 20 weeks pregnant and still nursing my 16 month old. Because I have had a number of ducts removed, and breast surgery due to tumors, my one breast's nipple is scar tissue, and I have never been able to nurse with that breast. It has not been a problem for my daughter or I. She was even a porker before we started solid food. It's a hard working breast, but I'm not sure I can tandem feed with only one. I have never leaked from my breast, not been able to pump a tremendous amount, though I did pump to stimulate more milk during different times of year one. My daughter is slowing down with her nursing, mainly comfort before sleep. But I would like to practice child-led weaning, but as I see my due date getting closer, and thinking of the delicate nature of introducing a second child into a home, I feel like I am out of my league in this one.

Anyone face this situation before? Should I begin gently encouraging her weaning? If so, what is the best way to do this? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Abrazos,
Angelica

[Anglyn]

Not personally, but I read an article about a woman who was in a similar situation with her breasts and nursed twins. So it can be done.I imagine it requires some juggling since they will have to take turns, but some women with two working breasts tandem nurse that way because they prefer nursing one at a timeas opposed to letting them both latch at once. I'd find a lactation consultant and a la leche leauge leader for some support! Good luck with the nursing and congrats on the new baby!!

[MaryJaneLouise]

It's possible, but will probably be a challenge I nursed both my boys from one breast, but not exclusively; my supply was not up to feeding both.

The fact you had an ample supply the first time is a good sign :. I would prepare your LO to share the "nene" with her new sibling, and possibly even get the short end of the stick, both milk wise and attention wise (time at the breast). Maybe a lowered supply during pregnancy would also prepare her for this.

Also be prepared for lots of nipple wear & tear. Give it lots of air time, use expressed breastmilk as a lotion, and be paranoid about getting a good latch. I developed Raynaud's syndrome, which is sometimes caused by a nipple trauma, and is quite painful.

[Ruthla]

It certainly CAN be done, but it will be harder than tandem nursing with 2 breasts. Can you use the other breast at all (like for comfort nursing?) or will your toddler not latch onto it?

[mamacita angelica]

my little one thinks the other breast is a joke breast. she sucks on it a couple of times, and then it cracks her up. when i am bare breasted, she points to it, and laughs. but maybe she would be comforted by it if i encouraged her to use it. she still gets milk from the other lactating one, so she really is only interested in that one. she is definitely cutting down, and as my supply gets less, maybe she will wean before then. otherwise, she is only pre-sleep feeder, and then only when i'm offering. she naps without the breast sometimes. thanks for the words of encouragement. just thinking about bfing two with one boob is intimidating.