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Home › Expert Q&A › Nipple and Breast Concerns › After Baby is Born › I'm 7 months pregnant and breastfeeding my 10-month-old. When the baby is born, will I produce colostrum or will there just be regular breastmilk since I'm already nursing?

Expert Q&A

 

By Melissa Clark Vickers
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn.

I'm 7 months pregnant and breastfeeding my 10-month-old. When the baby is born, will I produce colostrum or will there just be regular breastmilk since I'm already nursing?

A woman's body is an amazing thing! It is fully aware -- hormonally, at least -- that it is nourishing a developing fetus and needs to make sure that this new baby is well taken care of after birth. Newborns need the colostrum as concentrated first meals that fit the tiny size of a newborn's stomach and appetite. So, yes, your body will produce that all-important colostrum for the new baby. Because your babies will be so close together, and the 10-month-old is probably still nursing quite a bit, it will be important to give priority to the new baby's need to nurse. This can be a juggling act -- particularly since the older child may want to nurse more just as reassurance that everything that is important to him is still available after the arrival of the new baby. Let your new baby nurse first whenever possible, and then offer the breast to your older child. Because colostrum is very laxative (to help clear the body of the meconium, or dark, tarry stools), you may find that the stools of your older baby are looser for a while. This is normal.

Tandem nursing (nursing two babies of different ages) is pretty common. You might find it especially helpful to link up with your local La Leche League group and talk with other mothers who are tandem nursing. This way you can share some of the logistical questions you will no doubt have, and you'll have a support network in place to share your experiences. Be sure to take good care of yourself!

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