In plain words
Tandem feeding means breastfeeding two children. It is used in two ways. With twins, it means feeding both babies at the breast at the same time. It also describes nursing a newborn and an older sibling, often a toddler, who may nurse together or in turns. For twins, many families use a nursing pillow and a hold such as the double football or double cradle position, and it usually starts once each baby can latch on their own. It can save time, and some parents find it calming. Balancing two children, two latches, and two sets of needs takes practice. Lactation consultants support it. It is not the only way to feed twins, and many families mix breast and bottle.
The deeper version
Tandem feeding is simultaneous breastfeeding of two infants, most often twins, using holds such as double football and double cradle with a twin pillow, and also the nursing of a newborn alongside an older child. Lactation consultants generally introduce it once each infant latches independently and is gaining weight. Milk supply responds to total milk removal, so tandem feeding can support supply when both babies transfer well (Lawrence and Lawrence, Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession). Evidence is largely descriptive, from case series and cohort reports, and comparisons with sequential feeding are limited.
Where it comes up
- Breastfeeding positionsFeeding Your Baby
- Feeding twins or multiplesFeeding Your Baby
- Combo feeding: breast and formulaFeeding Your Baby
What mothers here say about tandem feeding
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Sources
- La Leche League International — Breastfeeding twins and multiples, guidance on tandem nursing
- Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM — Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, Elsevier