Reply to Nancy Kramer Re: Tandem nursing
First, let me introduce myself.  I am an RN in MCH, presently working in a
LDRP & doing home visits to mom & baby 2 days after discharge.  I have been
doing lactation counseling for approx 13 yrs.  Presently living in West Texas
(the armpit of Texas) due to spouse transfer.  Hope to be back in Houston
(yes, I know it's humid!) before year end.  I have 3 children of my own &
nursed them a total of approx 8 yrs.  I have the opportunity to do a LOT of
patient teaching at this time & hope there are more bf  moms out here by the
time I leave.

Nancy, I felt I should reply to your mom who has a 2 yr old & another on the
way.  My first 2 kids are 2 yrs & 21 hrs apart.  #1 was still nursing when I
became pregnant with #2.  I did not wean even though it was rather sore for
me to nurse during pregnancy.  To me weaning abruptly was like saying go
away, I don't love you anymore.  At 2 yrs old he understood if sometimes we
had to say wait awhile or not now.  Child #2 was born & there I was nursing
2.  Sometimes at the same time.  It bothered me that it was difficult to hold
a wee little one & also have this toddler in my lap at the same time.  The
sucking of a newborn vs a toddler feel different too!  I did this because the
situation presented itself & I felt there was no other alternative.  My
nights were spent in the middle of a king size bed turning to one side then
the other.  I didn't get much sleep.  My husband finally started taking child
#1 to bed with him in another room.  This didn't help much when he would
scream & cry for mommy.  Well we lived through this, Child #1 is almost 15 &
Child #2 is almost 13, neither one nurse anymore.  I do treasure these times
I had with my babies.  I tell  moms I don't recommend this.  Space you
children out better than I did.  But if the situation arises you do what you
have to do.  As for as I am concerned abrupt weaning is not an option.  She
might try offering to sit and snuggle or read together, etc. But not refuse
the breast should the toddler want it.  Refusal only gives a reason for the
jealousy.  Best of luck to the lady.  This too shall pass.
P.S. No I did not get cracked nipples.  I always use Vit E on the least bit
of soreness as I am very fair skinned. Just remind her the older one knows
how to get what he wants & the new one will need assist to latch on
correctly.
Helen Eichblatt R.N.