Okay, so you’ve made it through pregnancy. Yaaaas you goddess, queen! I’m so proud of you.
Now you’re wondering what to expect next on your breastfeeding journey. What’s okay? What should you look out for?
If that sounds like you, keep reading, you’ll find these tips and experiences helpful.
Should I keep one side for each child?
You can do this, but I recommend switching it up. This way you can balance out the production of milk in both your breasts. You’ll prevent side preferences (which could lead to some inconveniences such as seriously lopsided breasts).
Can my older child have colostrum?
Yes! Lucky kid, getting a double does in life.
So long as you are feeding your newborn baby on demand in the first days of life, they will get enough colostrum to last them a life time.
Should my baby go first every time?
You make up the rules for yourself. It may be helpful to allow your toddler to go first if you’ve been really engorged - this way they can really empty the breasts.
Do I have to clean my breasts between feeds?
Nope. You’re breasts do that themselves.
What do I do if one of my children gets ill?
Your milk will adapt to your children’s needs. The bacteria in their saliva will send a message through your body to create more antibodies to protect them and boost their immunity.
This is why I love the idea of switching it up. Because that way both children get extra protection from a natural medicine.
How will I know if I am producing enough milk?
You will produce as much milk as you ask your body to make. If you are feeding your children on demand and they demand often, you body will know to keep producing lots of milk to need their demand. If you take long breaks, or stick to a rigid schedule, you will produce as much milk as you ask for.
How do I produce more milk?
You produce more milk by demanding or asking for more milk. You do this by allowing your child to be suckling at the breasts which stimulates milk production. You can also pump along side your feeds to increase milk production.
I was tandem feeding AND donating milk, because I really wanted to keep my milk production up to be as beneficial as possible for myself, my daughters and other babies in need.
If you found this helpful, please feel free to save and share it with other mothers who may have similar questions / concerns.