My newest article 3 of 3

I just had published my final of 3 series articles published in the BAMBI magazine. It's the main pregnancy and parenting magazine for expats in Bangkok. So exciting to open it up and see it in print! I have been getting a lot of thumbs up from all over the globe for these, so thank you readers!

Here it is:

Breastfeeding More than One: Tandem Nursing
By Erin Kannon

I have a problem and there is just no solution: I have three children wanting to breastfeed and I only have two breasts! How did I end up in this situation? I have 17 month old twin girls and a three year old little boy who all love to be breastfed. I never thought that I’d be breastfeeding a toddler at three years old or that I would ever have twins but here I am breastfeeding all three. My situation is a little extreme but many women out there are breastfeeding two or “tandem nursing” twins or a baby and a toddler.

Women choose to tandem feed their children for a variety of reasons. The main reason is that their breastfed toddler wanted to continue after the new sibling is born, especially if the toddler is still very young. As stated in a my previous article “Breastfeeding Your Toddler”, there are many benefits to breastfeeding a toddler and these benefits reach far into the second, third, fourth, or more year of life. A pregnancy and new baby are no reason to stop breastfeeding and cut short those benefits. Older children have to adjust to a new baby, and breastfeeding helps with the adjustment and continued bonding time that he craves. If your toddler stopped breastfeeding during your pregnancy due to a diminishing milk supply, it is possible for him to be breastfed again. You may have to re-teach him how to have a proper latch on your nipple.

Preparation for tandem nursing is important during pregnancy. Continue eating and drinking enough for breastfeeding through the pregnancy and even more after the birth. If your toddler is breastfeeding as much as the new baby, you may need 1000 extra calories a day, paying special attention to high quality foods. One risk for tandem feeding mothers is a lack of nutrition, especially if your children are spaced close together.

After the new baby is born, your breasts will make colostrum again, so make sure that the baby gets the majority of it. Expect to have some soreness and pay attention to correct latching from both children. You can choose to feed each child separately or together. If you decide to feed them separately, the child who needs the most volume for weight gain or the child who can handle a heavier flow of milk should be breastfed first. The toddler can also help with engorgement and reduce the risk of plugged milk ducts.

You body should have plenty of milk for tandem feeding. The “supply and demand” that works with one baby will work with two children as well. Pay attention to the number of wet or dirty diapers, frequent feedings, and normal weight gain for the baby as you would if only breastfeeding one. Your toddler will be receiving creamier milk than usual, may fatten up, and could even have newborn looking poops! The best part about this stage of milk is its high levels of immunities that your toddler will receive. If there seems to not be enough milk for two, the younger baby should take priority and make sure that your toddler is being given enough other foods to make up for his need in calories. If one child becomes sick, there is not much risk of cross-infection between children or the breasts, except in the case of thrush (yeast).

The logistics of breastfeeding two (or more) will work themselves out over time. There are advantages of breastfeeding only one at a time. Each child will have undivided attention, especially if there are jealousy issues, or you may find that the child not being fed will be jealous while waiting and you’ll end up feeding them together. If you find that you are feeling “over-touched,” feeding one will help. The biggest disadvantage to breastfeeding one at a time is TIME, as you will spend a larger portion of your day feeding if your children have to take turns. You will also have to figure out a way to keep the other child occupied during feeding times.

To get into position for breastfeeding both children together, it is easiest to correctly latch on the newborn first and then let the toddler figure out his position. You may need pillows or a footstool and maybe even an extra hand to get situated until you get comfortable doing it on your own. Double cradle, upright, or football holds work well. As the newborn grows, you can get more creative with positions. Side-lying with the older child draped over onto the top breast works well, as does lying on the back with a child in each arm.

When tandem feeding, your levels of oxytocin will be very high so feeling a little “foggy-brained” is normal. Make sure that you get enough rest as your body is working harder to produce extra milk. It is also normal to feel “over-touched” or to not like the sensation of breastfeeding the older child. Some mothers only let the toddler have one side or come up with “rules” for breastfeeding, such as only before naptime. Breastfeeding is an ever-evolving relationship between you and your children. Your children will bond together as they feed together and may even wean together as twins usually do. This is also a time where you can work with their communication and how they interact together.

Tandem feeding can be challenging. In today’s society we rarely if ever see or hear of other women breastfeeding more than one child at a time, let alone just one child past a year or so. There is very little “group wisdom” to be passed down. Tandem feeding is normal in many cultures, yet women often breastfeed in private because of peer pressure and are embarrassed to say that their toddler is still breastfed. Our bodies are designed to make milk and plenty of it. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family and know that you are giving your children a precious gift.

For further information:
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner © 2000 (in the BAMBI library)
Adventures in Tandem Nursing by Hilary Flower © 2003 (also BAMBI library)
http://www.kellymom.com/ (general research-based information and forums)
http://www.mothering.com/ (articles and breastfeeding forums)

My newest article 2 of 3

I just had published my 2nd of 3 series articles published in the BAMBI magazine. It's the main pregnancy and parenting magazine for expats in Bangkok. So exciting to open it up and see it in print!

Here it is:

Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
By Erin Kannon

One day as I was breastfeeding my son, I realized he was not a baby anymore. I began thinking about babies, wanting more, and realized, “wait a minute, I missed my period this month, could I be pregnant?” The next morning, two pink lines on the pregnancy test stick revealed that I was definitely pregnant. During the next month, my nipples hurt some and I wondered if I should stop breastfeeding my son, who was definitely no longer the baby since there was a new baby on the way.

Welcome to breastfeeding during pregnancy. If you read my article “Breastfeeding Your Toddler” you know that there are many benefits of breastfeeding your child well past the first six months and on into his second, third, or fourth year of life. Breastfeeding is intended for years and not months, continues attachment with your child, and has unique nutritional and immunological benefits. A new baby does not need to end the breastfeeding relationship that you have with your older child. The dynamics of breastfeeding during pregnancy are a little different, and as an expecting mother, you will need to take care of yourself and your growing baby inside.

Breastfeeding during pregnancy will most likely require a little bit of determination and a whole lot more of extra food. This should not be a problem as most pregnant women love to eat! If you are still nursing a very small baby exclusively you will need about 300 extra calories for pregnancy and another 350 for breastfeeding. If your child is older you will need about 200 extra calories. If you find that you are not gaining enough weight, increase the amount of calories you consume, especially in protein. Protein builds breastmilk and protein builds your growing baby. If you are hungry or feel fatigued, eat more! Remember that you will need extra fluids as well.

When breastfeeding during pregnancy it is common to have some nipple discomfort. You may or may not have sore breasts and this can change during the months of pregnancy. You might also feel a little nauseated, restless or “creepy-crawly” during the feed. This is your chance to practice those breathing exercises for birth! Try to remember your motivation for wanting to breastfeed your toddler and make some breastfeeding “rules” for him if needed. Check that your child has a good latch to help with your comfort level. Fatigue is also common, especially if you are chasing a toddler all day. Take care of yourself and make sure that you are having restful nights and a nap during the day if possible. Try lying down to breastfeed your toddler and nap together.

Your milk will change during pregnancy. Many women notice a change in production, and about 70% of women will have a decrease of supply. Your toddler will most likely notice a reduced let-down reflex and a more salty taste. You can explain these changes to him and he may continue to want to breastfeed even if your supply drops or goes away. There are no known safe options, pharmaceutical or herbal, to help your supply during pregnancy. Some foods, such as oats may help. If your milk goes away, your child can still “dry nurse” if it is not too uncomfortable for you. Expect him to switch back and forth between breasts trying to find more milk! Your body begins producing colostrum by your 20th week of pregnancy and he may want to breastfeed for longer periods of time again.

As your pregnant belly grows, your toddler will run out of room on your lap during breastfeeding. Expect to find yourself using new positions and your toddler experimenting with “nursing gymnastics”. Some breastfeeding positions that you can try while navigating over your bump are the cradle-hold (modified), football hold, toddler standing, seated side by side, back-lying, side-lying, or any which way!

At some point during your pregnancy, you may consider weaning your toddler. Many toddlers choose to wean due to the change in taste or supply. Some wean gradually and others abruptly. An older child is more likely to want to wean, though once the new baby has arrived, he may show interest in breastfeeding again. Weaning is common during pregnancy as your hormones change. Studies have shown that of those breastfeeding and pregnant, 57% weaned. Your decision to wean or not will come down to how you are feeling (body wisdom), cultural preferences, if you want to tandem feed, and what feels the most natural to you. Your needs are just as important as your child’s needs.

Is breastfeeding during pregnancy safe for your unborn baby? Research shows that breastfeeding does not cause premature labor or dilating contractions. The hormone oxytocin that is produced from nipple stimulation does not have an effect during pregnancy due to interaction with other hormones and oxytocin receptors in the uterus. If your healthcare provider tells you to wean because you are pregnant, ask for the reasons why. As long as you have no major health concerns, you are gaining enough weight, and you feel well, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding. One advantage of breastfeeding a toddler is that if you do have a premature baby, you already have a milk supply going. Breastfeeding during pregnancy does not affect the milk supply after the birth.

I continued to breastfeed my son during the first three months of my third pregnancy. I then learned that I was carrying twins and was told that I should immediately wean him. An abrupt weaning would have been devastating for us both, but I knew that weight gain would be of utmost importance for a twin pregnancy. I slowly weaned him as my supply diminished and by my 6th month, he had weaned though he never stopped asking to breastfeed and would occasionally dry-nurse. I was relieved and so happy that he remembered how to latch on correctly after the twins were born. This helped him during those first few months of craziness with new babies and gave us some very special sharing time.


For further information:
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner © 2000 (in the BAMBI library)
Adventures in Tandem Nursing by Hilary Flower © 2003 (in the BAMBI library)
http://www.kellymom.com/ (general research-based information and forums)
http://www.mothering.com/ (articles and breastfeeding forums)

My newest article 1 of 3

I just had published my 1st of 3 series articles published in the BAMBI magazine. So exciting to open up the magazine and see it in print!

Here it is:

Breastfeeding Your Toddler
By Erin Kannon

When I started on my breastfeeding journey over five years ago, I did not know a single woman who had breastfed her baby for more than a year. I was not aware that nursing a toddler was an option! As I read more about breastfeeding and had such success nursing my firstborn, I did not want to force my daughter to wean and learned that many women breastfeed past one year. During my research I was surprised to find that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended breastfeeding for at least two years.

Breastfeeding a toddler can be a satisfying experience. Your breastmilk offers optimum nutrition because it contains everything your baby needs that he is not getting from solid foods, especially when he reaches the finicky or picky eating stages. Breastmilk will also promote better health past infancy as your body passes on antibodies as it did in the early months. You can expect fewer ear infections, more resistance against infection, fewer allergies, better dental health, a stronger immune system (from bloodstream to respiratory system to intestinal tract), and fewer skin problems such as eczema. If your child does become ill, breastmilk aids in hydration and is easily digested.

When breastfeeding a toddler, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Breastfed babies and toddlers tend to grow slower and do not “measure up” on growth charts. Remember that these growth charts are based on formula fed babies or toddlers that are weaned and drinking cow milk. Iron-rich foods are needed after one year as iron absorption is reduced after the addition of solids. Cavities are rare from breastfeeding at night but remember that you still need to practice normal dental hygiene with your toddler.

The toddler years are a time of emotional development for your toddler. Breastfeeding during this phase aids in attachment to the mother while feeling safe to explore and gain independence. You can also calm a child easier when he becomes hurt, is teething (natural analgesic), or needs to take a nap or go to bed.

Breastfeeding during the toddler years goes through phases. During the second year (13 to 24 months, the toddler is still more like a “baby” and will continue to breastfeed frequently. Many toddlers at this stage go through a “nursing strike”. Assume that your child is not ready to wean and look for other areas of discomfort such as a stuffy nose, sore mouth, or broken tooth. Also use this phase to teach a nursing code word, such as “Milkies” or “NumNums” or as it is in my house, “Mama Milk”. Expect your toddler to want to experiment with a variety of breastfeeding positions and want to use his hands all over the place, including your hair, belly button, ear, your other nipple, or his lunch. Consider using a “nursing necklace”, toy, or stuffed animal to help redirect those hands.

Breastfeeding through the “terrible twos” (24 to 36 months) can help to head off tantrums. Tantrums are usually a result of a situation that feels tense for a toddler who cannot yet communicate his needs. Breastfeeding can diffuse the situation and also help you calm down as well! Frequent breastfeeding at this age can come from stress, over-stimulation, or boredom. At this phase expect your toddler to discuss breastfeeding with you. He is old enough to understand any breastfeeding rules you may have such as waiting until naptime or after dinner.

Some women continue to breastfeed their toddlers when they reach three years old. A nursing strike at this age could be weaning. Many women find it easier to breastfeed at this age compared to the two year old stage. Expect to have more conversations during breastfeeding. Last week I was breastfeeding my son (he’s three) and he stopped to tell me “I fight dragons!!!” and went right back to eating! This is usually the age when toddlers will discuss breastfeeding and think about when they want to stop. You are definitely not nursing a baby anymore. If your child is breastfeeding at the age of four and beyond, he is still enjoying the time he spends with you and continues to receive the benefits of breastmilk. Breastfeeding will become a memory for your child.

You also benefit from breastfeeding for more than a year. You will have stronger bones and a lower risk of breast and other cancers. Breastfeeding can also suppress menstruation which helps with natural child-spacing. Note: You can NOT rely on breastfeeding your toddler for contraception! It is important for you to have good nutrition. Focusing on protein, calcium, iron and zinc will help you to continue producing a quantity of milk. One side affect of nursing a toddler is also a side affect when nursing infants: lower estrogen levels resulting in vaginal dryness. This may also decrease your interest in sex when the decreased hormones are combined with fatigue and sense of “constantly being touched” or “touched-out”.

A common breastfeeding difficulty that continues into the toddler years is nipple discomfort. It is still possible to get mastitis or thrush (yeast) so continue regular hygiene but no soap on the nipples. If you are pregnant again, expect to feel some tenderness. Discomfort can also come from the toddler teething. Work with your child’s latch and make sure that he knows how to let go of your nipple without grazing it with his teeth. “Gymnastics nursing,” when your child decides to breastfeed in any sort of creative position, can also lend to some discomfort as well.

Depending on your culture and where you live, you may or may not have to deal with criticisms of breastfeeding a baby past one year. Pressures from family, partner, or strangers can make you feel like weaning for not doing what everyone else does. Remember that breastfeeding your toddler is a mutual choice for both you and your child. You can choose to breastfeed in public or in private. Older toddlers can be delayed or use a “code” word for nursing. Any doubts can be overcome when you see that your child is happy, learning, and growing. This is chance for you to educate others about the benefits of extended breastfeeding and the recommendations by the WHO to breastfeed for longer.

At some point during your breastfeeding relationship with your child you will consider weaning. If you become pregnant you may or may not want to wean, but it is possible to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy. As your milk changes, your child might not like the taste and decide to wean on his own. If you feel that you need to wean, you can choose to do so gradually. Abrupt weaning is usually not easy for the child and can cause engorgement for you.

When do most children wean? Consider that our ancient ancestors breastfed for at least two to three years. Large mammals wean when their birth weight is quadrupled. For humans, this is two to three years old. Large primates wean when they reach 6 times the length of gestation, about 4.5 human years. Ultimately, it is up to you and your child. Child-led weaning tends to be the best for your child as he can determine when he no longer needs to be breastfed, emotionally or physically.

I never thought I would be breastfeeding a toddler. It has been one of the most fulfilling and satisfying experiences of my parenting years. Yes, there have been times that I felt like quitting, but I know that his health and bond with me are more important. You do not have to breastfeed your child forever. Take it one day at a time and enjoy every minute of it.

For further information:
Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner © 2000 (in the BAMBI library)
http://www.kellymom.com/ (general research-based information and forums)
http://www.mothering.com/ (articles and breastfeeding forums)
http://www.drjacknewman.com/Breastfeeding-help.asp (breastfeeding articles)