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Breastfeeding Through Pregnancy & Tandem Feeding
Navigating changing bodies, big feelings and growing families
For many breastfeeding mothers, discovering a new pregnancy can bring a mix of joy, uncertainty and questions.
Do I need to wean?
Will my milk still be enough?
Can I feed both children safely?
Breastfeeding through pregnancy and tandem feeding after birth are more common than many realise. Many mothers continue breastfeeding while pregnant and go on to nurse both children, highlighting the adaptability of the breastfeeding relationship and maternal body (Mohrbacher, 2010; KellyMom, 2018).
While every family’s journey is unique, research and lived experiences suggest that breastfeeding through pregnancy can be both safe and meaningful with the right support.
Is breastfeeding during pregnancy safe?
Current research is reassuring for mothers with healthy, low-risk pregnancies.
A systematic review found no increased risk of miscarriage or adverse pregnancy outcomes among healthy mothers who breastfed during pregnancy (López-Fernández et al., 2023). Evidence also suggests breastfeeding does not negatively affect birth weight or pregnancy duration in well-nourished women.
These findings align with breastfeeding organisations that support continued breastfeeding during a normal pregnancy as a personal decision guided by maternal comfort and clinical advice.
When to seek medical advice
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History of preterm labour or miscarriage
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High-risk pregnancy
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Persistent pain, bleeding or weight concerns
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Nutritional challenges or significant fatigue
What changes might mothers notice?
Milk supply and taste
Hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to a reduction in milk supply, particularly in the second trimester, with a gradual shift back to colostrum later in pregnancy (Lawrence & Lawrence, 2016; La Leche League, 2020). Some toddlers respond by nursing less or self-weaning, while others continue.
Physical sensations
Research exploring mothers’ experiences reports breast tenderness, fatigue and occasional uterine tightening sensations, though these were not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in low-risk pregnancies (López-Fernández et al., 2023).
Emotional shifts
Studies highlight mixed emotions, including joy in maintaining connection with the older child alongside anxiety about milk supply, social pressure and fatigue (Ayrim et al., 2014; López-Fernández et al., 2023).
These feelings are echoed in local experiences. In one BMSG story, Nur shared her decision to continue breastfeeding her third child while pregnant with her fourth, despite early advice to stop. She later experienced nursing aversion and soreness but persevered with family support and went on to tandem nurse her daughters after birth.
Read Nur’s story here.
Her journey highlights both the emotional complexity and resilience many mothers experience when breastfeeding through pregnancy.
Preparing for tandem feeding
Tandem feeding refers to breastfeeding two children of different ages, usually a newborn and toddler (Mohrbacher, 2010).
Prioritising the newborn
Clinical guidance commonly recommends offering the breast to the newborn first in the early weeks to ensure adequate intake of colostrum and early milk (Lawrence & Lawrence, 2016).
Milk quality and quantity
Concerns about insufficient milk are common. However, research suggests breast milk continues to meet the nutritional needs of both children, with mothers’ bodies adapting production to demand (Ayrim et al., 2014).
Studies analysing milk composition in tandem-feeding mothers found higher fat, protein and energy levels, suggesting adaptive nutritional changes to support siblings (Sinkiewicz-Darol et al., 2021).
Benefits mothers often describe
Continued comfort and security
Toddlers may find reassurance in breastfeeding during pregnancy and after a sibling’s birth, supporting emotional regulation during transitions (Gribble, 2009).
Elaine, a BMSG mother, shared that continuing to nurse her toddler helped ease the emotional transition of welcoming a new baby. She found that tandem nursing supported bonding and provided comfort to her older child while also helping prevent engorgement in the early days postpartum.
Read Elaine’s story here.
Her experience highlights both the sweetness and challenges of nurturing two children at the breast.
Sibling bonding
Some mothers describe tandem feeding as a shared nurturing experience that fosters closeness between siblings and creates meaningful family moments (Mohrbacher, 2010).
Breastfeeding management benefits
Anecdotal and qualitative findings suggest tandem feeding may help maintain milk supply, ease engorgement and reduce plugged ducts, though experiences vary (Ayrim et al., 2014).
Challenges and realities
While meaningful, tandem feeding can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Research identifies fatigue, nursing aversion, increased nutritional needs and limited professional guidance as common challenges (Ayrim et al., 2014; López-Fernández et al., 2023).
Both Nur and Elaine described exhaustion, boundary-setting and emotional highs and lows in their journeys, reflecting how tandem feeding can be rewarding yet demanding — and why peer support can be invaluable.
Looking after yourself
Pregnancy and lactation both increase energy and nutrient demands. Evidence emphasises the importance of adequate maternal nutrition, hydration and rest during this period (López-Fernández et al., 2023; Lawrence & Lawrence, 2016).
Gentle self-care strategies may include:
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Flexible feeding boundaries
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Restful feeding positions
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Support from partners and family
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Connection with breastfeeding support groups
There is no single “right” choice
Some mothers continue breastfeeding throughout pregnancy and tandem feed comfortably. Others choose to wean due to comfort, emotional wellbeing or practical considerations.
Evidence suggests that in healthy pregnancies, continuing breastfeeding is a safe option. Ultimately, the decision rests with the mother, her body and her family context.
A gentle reminder
Breastfeeding through pregnancy and tandem feeding are deeply personal journeys shaped by biology, emotions and family dynamics.
Whether a mother continues, weans or finds a path somewhere in between, what matters most is feeling supported and informed.
As many mums share in peer spaces, the most helpful reassurance is simple:
You are allowed to listen to your body, your baby and your heart.
References
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López-Fernández G. et al. (2023)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10674114/ -
Sinkiewicz-Darol E. et al. (2021)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7835967/ -
Ayrim A. et al. (2014)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24403459/ -
Gribble K. (2009)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19087569/ -
Lawrence & Lawrence clinical guidance
https://lacted.org/iable-breastfeeding-education-handouts/tandem-feeding/ -
Mohrbacher N. (2010)
https://kellymom.com/nancy-mohrbacher/ -
KellyMom tandem nursing myths & facts
https://kellymom.com/ages/tandem/myth-fact/ -
La Leche League tandem nursing guidance
https://laleche.org.uk/tandem-nursing/ -
Elaine’s story
https://breastfeeding.org.sg/tandem-nursing-an-infant-toddler-elaines-story/ -
Nur’s story
https://breastfeeding.org.sg/nursing-during-pregnancy-nurs-story/