Breastfeeding - Tandem Breastfeeding

Feeding two infants simultaneously is called tandem breastfeeding (Sidenote: Feeding a child while being pregnant with another can also be considered a tandem breastfeeding condition for the nursing mother, as she also provides the nutrition for two[58]). The most common need for tandem breastfeeding is after the birth of twins where both babies are fed at the same time. The appetite and feeding habits of each baby may not be the same, which could mean feeding each according to their own individual needs, while also trying to get them to breastfeed together to minimize time spent breastfeeding.

In cases of multiple births with three or more children, it can be extremely difficult for the mother to organise feeding around the appetites of all the babies. While breasts can produce large quantities of milk, according to the demand placed upon them,[59] it is common for women to use alternatives, although many mothers have been able to breastfeed their infants successfully without them.

Tandem breastfeeding may also occur when a woman has a baby while breastfeeding an older child. During the late stages of pregnancy the milk will change to colostrum, and some older nurslings will continue to feed even with this change, while others may wean due to the change in taste or drop in supply.

Breastfeeding - Mixed Feeding

Predominant or mixed breastfeeding means feeding breast milk along with infant formula, baby food and even water, depending on the age of the child. Babies feed differently with artificial teats than from a breast. When feeding from the breast, the tongue massages the milk out rather than sucking, and the nipple does not go as far into the mouth; when feeding from a bottle, an infant will suck harder and the milk may come in more rapidly. Therefore, mixing breastfeeding and bottle-feeding (or using a pacifier) before the baby is used to feeding from its mother can induce the infant to prefer the bottle to the breast. Orthodontic teats, which are generally slightly longer, are closer to the nipple. Some mothers supplement feed with a small syringe or flexible cup to reduce the risk of artificial nipple preference