Tandem bf-- first few days?

[MommyJogger]

Those who bf through a pregnancy and went on to tandem feed-- did you bf your older child when it was colostrum? Or did you ask them to wait a few days while you waited on your milk to come in? Did you limit feeds to their 'normal' pre-preg bf times (morning and night, for example, if they were only morning and night nursers) or did you let them go boob monster and nurse when the newborn nursed/on demand? If you let them feed on demand, did you find it to be any more draining than just normal post-partum/bf newborn tiredness? We're currently considering actively TTC, but I'm considering putting it off out of fear of its impact on my bf relationship with #1. I don't want to get myself to a point I'm so overwhelmed I'll make a weaning/nursing limiting decision with my DS that I'll regret later. I want to think that bf #2 will be easier/less scary and overwhelming because I've done it before, but if it's the same, I'm honestly not sure I could have handled another human making demands on my breasts those first few days/weeks with my first son. Thanks!

 

[Tacey]

Yes, Alice had colostrum. I seemed to produce loads this time as I guess it's still supply and demand. I did intend to nurse Arthur first, but really, it all sort of rolled into one. He didn't lose any of his birthweight. I let her feed more often than usual (we were at morning and night) partly for the bonding/jealousy aspect, but mainly because she was a godsend for dealing with engorgement and a fast let down! In the first couple of weeks, she would start off, and then Arthur would finish once the flow was slower. I didn't find it tiring. In fact, I think it was a lot easier, as I didn't have as much spraying milk and red hot engorged boobs. After my supply regulated, she was asking for more milk than he was having, so I cut her back down to twice a day.

On the demanding front, from pregnancy onwards, I made it very clear it was my body, and she was privileged to be invite to have milk. I wouldn't accept any sort of demanding, pulling or messing about because my tolerance was so low - I had terrible aversion even when she behaved perfectly. I just continued with those high expectations after he was born. We did lots of talking beforehand about how the baby could only have milk, so he would feed more and get priority, because she could have smoothies, milkshakes and toast!