Louise Will There Be Enough Milk & What About Colostrum?
If you’re pregnant and still breastfeeding your toddler, you might be wondering about breastfeeding a baby and a toddler:
🤰🏼 Can I breastfeed both my newborn and my toddler?
🤰🏼 Will my newborn still get colostrum if I’m already feeding an older child?
🤰🏼 I have enough milk for both?
The short answer? Yes! Your body is incredible. It will produce everything your newborn needs while still providing milk for your toddler. But tandem feeding (breastfeeding two children at different stages) does come with some changes. This is especially true in the early days.
Here’s what you need to know about breastfeeding a baby and a toddler, how milk supply works, and what happens to your colostrum.
Will I Still Produce Colostrum for My Newborn?
Yes! Your body will produce colostrum after birth—even if you’ve been breastfeeding throughout pregnancy.
✅ During pregnancy, your milk transitions back to colostrum. Around mid-pregnancy (from 16-20 weeks), your body switches from mature milk back to producing colostrum. This prepares for your newborn.
✅ Colostrum is produced in small amounts, but it’s enough. Your newborn’s stomach is tiny. Therefore, colostrum is thick, nutrient-rich, and designed to be given in small, concentrated amounts.
✅Your toddler can still breastfeed, but your newborn’s feeds should come first. The more your newborn nurses, the more colostrum they will get.
📌A study published in the Journal of Human Lactation found that tandem feeding does not stop the production of colostrum. Even when a toddler is breastfeeding, a mother’s body still produces the same nutrient-rich colostrum for her newborn (source).
💡Your toddler may experience more frequent bowel movements in the early days because colostrum has a mild laxative effect!
Will There Be Enough Milk for Both My Baby and Toddler?
Yes! Milk supply is based on demand. The more your baby and toddler nurse, the more milk your body produces.
📌Colostrum production is hormonally driven, but mature milk supply works on supply and demand. This means:
✅ Your body makes colostrum in a set amount for your newborn right after birth.
✅ Once your milk transitions (usually within 3-5 days), it adjusts based on how much your children are nursing.
✅ If your toddler is still feeding frequently, they may help with milk let-down and supply regulation.
📌Research suggests that tandem breastfeeding can even increase the fat content of mature milk, benefiting both children (source).
💡The key is to let your newborn feed first in the early days. This ensures they get enough colostrum before your milk transitions.
How to Manage Breastfeeding a Baby and a Toddler
If you decide to tandem feed, you might need to adjust how feeds are structured. Here’s what can help:
1. Let Your Newborn Feed First
✅ In the early weeks, your newborn should always have first access to the breast. This ensures they get colostrum and establishes feeding well.
✅ Once your baby is satisfied, your toddler can breastfeed if they still want to.
📌 A study in Maternal & Child Nutrition found that newborns in tandem feeding situations still received adequate colostrum when prioritised for feeds (source).
2. Try Feeding Together (Or Separately!)
✅ Some mums find it easiest to breastfeed both at the same time (one child on each breast).
✅ Others prefer to feed separately. This way, their newborn gets priority and their toddler gets comfort feeds at set times.
💡 There’s no right or wrong—just what works best for you!
3. Set Boundaries If Needed
✅ If your toddler is feeding more than you’d like, it’s okay to gently limit their feeds.
✅ You can encourage distraction techniques, offering snacks, or setting “mummy milk times”. This helps if tandem feeding feels overwhelming.
💡 Some toddlers naturally wean during pregnancy, while others continue feeding happily alongside their new sibling.
What If My Toddler Becomes Jealous of the New Baby?
✅ Breastfeeding can be a great bonding tool, helping your toddler feel included rather than left out.
✅ Some toddlers increase feeds for comfort when a new sibling arrives. This is normal, and the need often settles over time.
✅ Giving your toddler extra cuddles and attention outside of feeding time can help ease any jealousy.
💡 Tandem feeding can be a lovely way to help your toddler adjust to their new sibling.
Can Breastfeeding a Toddler Take Nutrients Away from the Baby?
No! Your body prioritises your newborn’s needs first.
✅ Your newborn will always get the milk they need, and your supply will adjust to meet the demand of both children.
✅ Breastfeeding doesn’t “steal” nutrients from your pregnancy or newborn. Your body is designed to nourish both.
✅ It’s a good idea to eat well, stay hydrated, and listen to your body’s hunger cues. This will help keep your energy up.
📌 Research shows that the composition of milk in tandem-feeding mothers remains nutritionally adequate for both children (source).
💡 Your body is designed to produce milk for multiple children—there’s no limit to the amount of milk you can make!
Yes—you can breastfeed a newborn and a toddler at the same time. Your body will still produce colostrum after birth.
✅ Colostrum is made in set amounts. Your newborn will always get what they need.
✅ Milk supply adjusts based on demand. Therefore, there will be enough for both children.
✅ Tandem feeding can help with bonding, milk supply, and managing engorgement.
💜 Want expert advice on breastfeeding a newborn and a toddler?
Join our Infant Feeding Class, where we cover breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and how to make feeding work for your growing family.
👉 Sign up here: Infant Feeding Class
