Relactation, or possible tandem feeding, by non-bio parent

[Indadhanu]

NO we aren't pregnant with number 2... yet!

Shel is possibley, probably, most likely at this stage, going to be pregnant with the next little bubba. For physical and emotional reasons that I'm not going into right now (and which aren't the topic of this thread ), Shel doesn't think she'll be able to breastfeed. She willing to try of course, and go for as long as she possibly can, and I have a huge amount of respect for that, and she wants to at least give bub colostrum, but most likely it won't go much longer than 2-4 weeks (again, just a reminder, not really the topic of this thread). We've seen how good breastmilk is for Jazz, and we don't want to have to use formula so we want to be able to give the next bub this wonderful start in life (which most parents, BFing or FFing, can appreciate I'm sure, so don't get your knickers in a not, I don't mean any offence). So we're discussing me breastfeeding number #2 as well.

Ok so firstly lets assume that Jazz hasn't weaned by the time bub is born.
Can I tandem feed bub? My first answer to myself is no, because I haven't had bub so my body doesn't know that it needs to feed a newborn. Because the constitution of themilk changes over time, so the milk I'm making for Jazz (who will be at least 2.5 years old) would not be ok for a newborn. Is that right?

If Jazz has weaned, and then I relactate, will the milk be ok for a newborn? I have this thing in my head that if Jazz weans, and then I relactate, my body will go back to thinking I am feeding Jazz - a toddler - and not a newborn? Like resuming where we stopped kind of thing?

I need some really thorough resources on relactation and non-biological parents breastfeeding. I know the ABA has some I think, I haven't realy looked yet. Mums who adopt, and even dads (!) can breastfeed so I *KNOW* it's possible but I need to understand the biological process. How does my body make milk for a newborn if I haven't physically had a newborn? Will I need to take hormones? Is it possible to tandem feed if I haven't physically been pregnant or had a newborn?

[thepixie]

I can't see why you couldn't Leash - wet-nursing has been around for centuries where non-bio parents would BF

[Indadhanu]

Yeah thats what I'm thinking... but how? Isn't that why milk banks don't take milk from mothers feeding older babies/toddlers? Because the milk changes? So how would my milk be ok for a newborn?

[sloane]

i dunno leasha but could be worth talking to the ABA - i'm sure when i rang them in the early days that the counsellor told me that even adoptive parents can BF...i can't remember details (hormonal new mumma crying down the phone moment ) but seems like it could work.

[Kitt3n]

Where there is a will there is a way hun, you have such amazing will so there will be a way

TBH I really don't know the answer to your q - hopefully someone can come along with some good resources for you, but somehow I think your body will naturally adjust the milk, possibly according to the way the baby suckles?

Plenty of people tandem BF - I hoped to do so but not sure if I will still be BF'ing Laa by the time we have another....

[Fleur]

I'm sure there would have to be a way. I remember reading somewhere (here, maybe ) that mothers milk contains more antibodies when bub is sick. Kind of like your body knows intuitively what it has to do - I know I'm not saying that as well as I should be - not enough sleep! - but do you get what I mean?
I'm sure the ABA would know though.

[squidipa]

I can't see why you couldn't Leash - wet-nursing has been around for centuries where non-bio parents would BF

thats right and i would say what ever breast milk your making is so much better than formula sweet. Personally i think its a fair trade shel has bub and you feed hehe lucky you.

[Lulu]

HAHAHAHAHA, yet another benefit of having 2 mummies! Leasha that's awesome, I really hope you can BF bub #2.

[onthefly]

That's a pretty awesome idea.
my guess - the milk is different; milk for newborn would be better, but toddler breastmilk would probably still be better than formula.

[LimeSlice]

You certainly can! It is much easier if you don;t need to 'relactate' - ie if you have a newborn whilst still BF Jazz, but it can certainly be done and does as a matter of regularity.

There are so many resources on how to go about it, support forums and success stories.
I will get some link together for you, I have a whole bunch here somewhere. Will bbs.

Good on you for wanting to give it a go Leash!