Breastfeeding in Tandem

by Jana Tausendfrende

Visitor Question: I am 29 weeks pregnant and breastfeeding my 11 month old. My doctor recently told me that I should stop breastfeeding my 11 month old prior to delivery of my second child in order to produce colustrum. I haven't heard that this is a problem and am wondering what other mothers have done.

Breastfeeding Magazine Response: When a mother is pregnant and breastfeeding, the milk will change back from the mature milk to colostrum sometime between the 4th and 8th month of pregnancy. You may be producing it to some extent now. Some moms begin producing colostrum even earlier.

Most moms who breastfeed through pregnancy will notice that their breastmilk will contain mostly colostrum during the last month before the baby is born.

However, there is no need to worry or wean your older child. Your older child cannot "use it all." There will be enough for both breastfeeding children.