If you’re still breastfeeding one child and have discovered you’re pregnant again, you might be wondering if it’s safe and feasible to continue nursing. Your body will keep producing milk during pregnancy, so biologically, there’s no reason you can’t keep breastfeeding throughout. However, there are factors to weigh before making a decision.
- Discomfort: Breastfeeding during pregnancy may cause more discomfort than usual due to hormonal changes. Your breasts may be more sensitive, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Oxytocin and Contractions: Breastfeeding triggers oxytocin release, aiding bonding with your baby. Concerns about premature contractions arise, but typically, the uterus doesn’t react until after 37 weeks.
- Taste Changes: Your child might lose interest in breast milk as it changes to colostrum around months four or five of your pregnancy.
- Nutritional Needs: If your child continues breastfeeding after the milk changes to colostrum, monitor their weight closely as nutritional values differ. You might need to supplement their diet.
- Tandem Feeding: Consider if you want to tandem feed both children. It’s a personal decision, but mothers who tandem feed are less likely to develop mastitis.
- Weaning: If you opt not to tandem feed, consider weaning your first child during pregnancy rather than after the second child’s birth for an easier transition.
When to Avoid Breastfeeding in Pregnancy
While breastfeeding during pregnancy is generally safe, you might need to switch to formula feeding if:
- You’ve had a miscarriage.
- You’ve experienced abnormal bleeding during this or a previous pregnancy.
- You’ve had premature labor in a previous pregnancy.
Although the risk of pregnancy complications due to breastfeeding is low, you may prefer not to take any chances. Depending on your child’s age, you can transition them to solid foods or formula milk. The decision is yours.
If you’re trying to conceive but not yet pregnant, consider waiting until you’ve finished breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, making pregnancy less likely during this time.
If you’re unsure about breastfeeding during pregnancy, consult your doctor or midwife. Most women can breastfeed while pregnant without serious issues.