So many mothers and even some doctors assume that women have to wean their child when they become pregnant again. However, in a healthy pregnancy, there is no need to wean. In fact, there are many benefits of tandem nursing, including facilitating the older child's adjustment to the new baby.
When siblings nurse together, the new baby is no longer perceived as a foe who steals mama's milk and dominates all of mama's attention, but rather as a companion who frequently shares in this special bonding experience.
We already know that during nursing the body releases the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. And that both of these chemicals promote relaxation, emotional bonding and a sense of well being. Therefore, mom, baby and child all have the advantage of being wrapped in a nurturing, relaxed and happy triangle without the older sibling feeling left out.
