We know that it is possible to breastfeed twins separately or in tandem. This practice is not limited to babies born in the same delivery. Some mothers breastfeed several children of different ages at the same time. According to IBCLC-certified lactation consultants Marion Guerin and Aubrey Richardson-Biais, these infants can breastfeed together or one after the other. This is called co-breastfeeding.
This practice is little known to the general public. However, some women do it naturally, without necessarily talking to a health professional, because they do not want to wean their child. Usually, this situation arises when a breastfeeding mother, who already has a first child, becomes pregnant again while the oldest child is still breastfeeding. "Many times breastfeeding a child continues after the next baby is born", says lactation consultant Marion Guerin.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of co-breastfeeding?
Co-breastfeeding two children of different ages can have many benefits for both mother and child. Marion Guerin indicates that the flow of milk usually occurs more quickly when a birth takes place. In this case, the elder will be able to ensure optimal drainage of the breast. Co-breastfeeding can also relieve engorged breasts. According to Aubrey Richardson-Biais, some parents believe that this practice helps strengthen the immunity of the elder, which prevents him from developing certain diseases. Co-breastfeeding also allows children to share feedings and naps together.
Regarding the downsides, some parents report that it can sometimes be difficult to find a feeding rhythm that is suitable for both children. A mother's nipples may also be more sensitive during pregnancy. "Some mothers may experience an aversion at some point during co-breastfeeding. This is quite normal. The factors that can trigger this phenomenon are, for example, lack of sleep or the difficulty in enduring the physical contact induced by the breastfeeding. 'feeding with milk", develops Aubrey Richardson-Biais. In this case, she recommends that moms talk to the older child to set limits around breastfeeding.
How to practice co-breastfeeding?
According to Marion Guerin, there are no rules for co-breastfeeding. You have to be motivated and organized to practice it. The mother may decide to breastfeed the oldest child during pregnancy and continue breastfeeding after the newborn is born. She must always ensure that the youngest is given priority, especially during the first days after childbirth, during the colostral phase. This phase corresponds to the period during which colostrum, namely a translucent liquid rich in proteins and antibodies, is secreted by the mammary gland before the flow of milk.
Weaning is also possible during pregnancy. There are several reasons that can lead the mother to wean the eldest child during this period. She may decide to do this because she has an increased sensitivity and does not wish to continue breastfeeding. The baby may also refuse the breast because the amounts of milk produced decrease or the mature milk becomes saltier as it approaches birth. The older child can ask to breastfeed again when the flow of milk begins and share the feedings with his brother or sister.
"Each child must find his rhythm during pregnancy and after the birth of the newborn", specifies the lactation consultant.
Co-breastfeeding: during pregnancy, is this practice dangerous for the fetus?
"No study has proven that breastfeeding a child during pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus. The case of mothers at risk of premature delivery, having had a history of miscarriage or multiple pregnancies are to be taken on a case by case basis, under the vigilance of specialists supervising pregnancy ", explains Marion Guerin.
Co-breastfeeding: Will the newborn get enough milk if the older one sucks too?
The two lactation consultants claim that the second child will have enough milk and that co-breastfeeding will have no impact on the growth of both children as lactation adapts to the nutritional needs of both babies. According to Aubrey Richardson-Biais, this was proven by a study published on January 19 in the scientific journal Nutrients. "In addition, the researchers found that the concentration of fat, protein and energy values were higher during co-breastfeeding", she explains.
Co-breastfeeding: how can the mother cope with this particular situation?
“The postpartum period requires many adjustments, and the mother may have mixed feelings about breastfeeding the older child. She may spontaneously want to respond more favorably to the newborn's needs. is perfectly normal because it sometimes takes time to find your rhythm ", develops Marion Guerin. She advises mothers who want to co-breastfeed to welcome their emotions because this is the best solution for everyone to find their place and their balance.
thanks to Marion Guerin and Aubrey Richardson-Bias, lactation consultants
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