Breastfeeding Positions For
Tandem Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding positions for tandem breastfeeding are varied and you'll need find out what suits you best and be adaptable. You may want to feed your new baby separately to your toddler or you may feel you want to feed them at the same time. Finding the best breastfeeding positions for tandem nursing will take some practice but with patience and perseverance you will find what suits you all.

If you are breastfeeding two children at the same time then both children are getting their needs met at the same time and you can relax, instead of watching what your adventurous toddler might be up to. It also gives you time for some quiet - even a chance to catch up with your partner.

Feeding your two children at the same time may take some getting used to and it might not work to begin with - it can be easier once your new baby has greater head control and is less reliant on you to support him.

When you are feeding the new baby be sure to position him correctly to avoid cracked nipples or pain. Remember the following basic breastfeeding techniques:

• "Nose to nipple" - so that your baby or toddler's nose is aligned to your nipple.
• "Tummy to tummy"- if your toddler or baby's body is rolled away from you he is likely to tug on your nipple. Ouch! And then he needs to open his mouth very wide so that he takes in as much as your breast as possible and not just your nipple.
• Bring your baby to you rather than you go to your baby. This will avoid straining your back and subsequent pain.
• Try lying down - this means that your child's body is supported and won't move as the feed continues.
• You may find a pillow or feeding pillow is useful to help your child stay at the right height.

Breastfeeding positions for tandem breastfeeding

• Double cradle hold: so that the children are in a "Y" position and variations on it, depending on what's comfortable for everyone.
• Football hold: where one or both children's legs are under your arm pointing away from you.
• Lying down: with your baby lying alongside you and your toddler either straddling you or sitting very near you.

If nursing separately works for you then be prepared to spend a long time nursing and be on demand, but on the up side you may prefer to have individual nursing time with them both. In this case as your new baby breastfeeds your toddler will need to be occupied and you may need to set up an activity station for your toddler.

Breastfeeding positions at night time
At night time you may want to breastfeed separately as they wake at different times. For example, your partner could look after one child whilst you breastfeed the other and then once the first child is asleep you then breastfeed the second. Or at bedtime you could breastfeed your baby whilst reading your toddler a bedtime story.

During the night to avoid getting out of bed several times you may choose to co-sleep. The new born would be on the side of the bed next to a bed rail, then the mother, then the toddler and then the partner. You can then roll to whoever needs feeding! You don't necessarily need to sit up to feed. You can lie on your side and your baby can breastfeeding snuggled up to you.

If you are in bed you can also lie down with one child on each breast. If you prefer to sit up, you can have each child feeding in a "rugby ball" hold with a pillow underneath if it makes it more comfortable. Find out which positions suit you!

Successful breastfeeding is down to using the correct breastfeeding positions and breastfeeding techniques. This can take some practice for you and your baby or toddler to get used to but it's vital to avoid painful nipples or cracked nipples.

If you do get painful nipples, then you must take action before they get any worse. Cracked nipples and bleeding nipples are very sore and you really want to avoid it!

You can use lanolin lotion, breast shields to protect your nipples from getting worse, and seek help from your local breastfeeding counsellor. Lanolin is non-toxic and is safe to ingest whilst breastfeeding. If your breasts are engorged then your toddler may be able to feed to lessen the engorgement.

Breastfeeding positions for tandem breastfeeding requires flexibly and patience. You will need to find out what works best for you and adapt accordingly. Give yourself time and get as much support as you can from your local breastfeeding counsellor and breastfeeding support groups.

Good luck!