Our tandem feeding journey began with DS2 being placed on my chest immediately after birth. We left the cord attached until he had made his way to the boob and started rooting for it which was about 20 mins after birth. He needed a little help getting on but then was a natural at it. DS1 was quite fascinated, we've had lots of preparation about sharing the boobs beforehand and were hoping this would help DS1 still feel included and closer to his brother.
Until about day 2/3 i was having them both on at the same time - but this became very challenging. DS1 started to come along as soon as i'd put DS2 on and sometimes on purpose, sometimes accidentally push DS2 off - then it was hard to get him back on. DS1 would then want to go from one to the other and so DS2's feeds were being relegated to after DS1 was finished - this was not working for us! So i gathered some info from wise old tandem feeders before me and decided to start offering DS2 first and if DS1 wanted to join in try distraction and then explanations about waiting.
So what i'm doing now, is telling DS1 that he is very lucky that he's able to eat proper food and even special things like juice whereas DS2 can only have milk.... making it seem like a huge privillege, and so far that seems to be helping him wait. Luckily i also have DH home to distract him until DS2 finishes. Then i offer DS1 so he knows that he can still have it, he just has to wait. This has been challenging for me as i've always fed DS1 on demand and its hard to ask him to wait but this is just one thing in a long line of many where he will have to learn patience and understanding, so we are just trying to do this as gently as possible.
Nights are particularly challenging at the moment.... as DS1 is feeding about twice, and DS2 is feeding fairly constantly from about 2am-5am! yet during the day he is having long periods of sleep without feeding! so i feel like all i do at night is go from one to the other feeding.... but this is okay... i expected it. Also after apologising profusely about my messy house to the visiting nurse, she assured me ALL i need to focus on now is feeding my two boys, who she said look very well and happy... so i am happy DS2 is also only 65g under his birth weight now on day 3.5 so it is obviously nourishing him!
Anyway just thought i'd share.... advice is also welcome as its still a learning process for me.
Well done MummaB. Thank you for sharing such a positive and heartwarming story. Your boys sound like they are doing really well, and how lucky are they to learn about sharing in this way. Congratulations, you are doing a fantastic job!
oh T well done honey!
Its very inspiring to read such a lovely story on BFing! Its truely wonderful that you have found the signs that focussed on the positive things rather then discluding DS1. Your an asset to your family and the woman here at BB for your positive reflection on your bfing experience.
Yourve just helped me to make a big choice in regards to our feeding...thank you
Thank you for sharing the positives of tandem feeding. I am facing this challenge in a few months if DS decides to continue BF until the next little person is here. I am, to some extent, excited about the possibility but also very scared about how things will work out. You reassure me that it can be done
Our Tandem Feeding Journey
DS2 is also only 65g under his birth weight now on day 3.5 so it is obviously nourishing him!
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