Here's my theory
Usually (and there are plenty of exceptions to this scenario I know) women fully breastfeeding are not fertile in the first six months or so. Then after cycles resume they may concieve, but by that time their babies are on solids and need less milk anyway.
It's an interesting question. My take on it is that the mother's body is protecting the new baby. But for the older baby, (and in fact any baby) breastfeeding is not just about the milk. Breastfeeding is food, nurture, comfort, bonding and more - so many older babies will still get what they need out of breastfeeding, even though they are not getting as much food as they were.
Yes interesting question! I was thinking along the same lines as what Barb said..the milk is just one aspect so I don't really think the the body is saying wean your child!
Tandem feeding can be a funny thing, and I do think that sometimes it can be a little hard to get your head around!
Usually too, while supply may wane (although clearly not for all women!), it obviously comes back full force once the new baby is born. Both the toddler and the baby take full advantage of this (I've heard of toddlers who refuse all food 'cause they're back in milk-y heaven!). So if we were left as nature intended, it would probably just be a short period of less milk, a short period of colostrum only (which still has significant benefits for toddlers as well as babies) and then everyone's back to 'normal'. Out of the years a child is designed to bf, this is just a short period of change.
I too have been thinking about this lately alot also.... you hear alot of people saying their baby weaned as they were pregnant etc... yet others seem to carry on BF the older baby whilst pregnant and even when the newborn comes along.....
I never thought about tandem feeding much before having a baby but now it seems like a great idea... something I'm more open to now....
I'm the same Shanti, I thought tandem feeding was definitely not for me but now I can't imagine stopping BFing DD just because I get pregnant. Although that's not likely anytime soon anyway coz BFing is still keeping AF away.
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