Breastfeeding while Pregnant

Amy - posted on 07/02/2009

hi i am currently tandem nursing my 3 year old and 11 month old, and i previously tandem nursed my oldest son with the middle one. Just keep eating and drinking plenty of water and you will be fine. it actually makes mothering two a very smooth transition. my oldest self weaned a week after he turned three (by telling us he really wanted us to have another baby so he was going to quit having boo-boo, it was really sweet) now my middle child is three and i am awaiting the day when he says he is ready to be done but i know it will come soon enough. just remember this is a short season in you whole life and that pretty soon you will be looking back with very fond memories. our bodies were well equipped for feeding our babies :) my family is proof.

Chantelle - posted on 07/01/2009

Quoting Fiona:

Hi, I am currently breastfeeding my 7th baby. My eldest is only 11, so I've done a lot of breast feeding whilst pregnant. My first 2 children are just over a year apart, and I had no end of trouble getting helpful advice about feeding in pregnancy. Eventually I discovered that nature is very clever. Babies don't tend to go off milk with the pregnancy itself, when you are ready to deliver your next baby and the milk turns to colostrum for the little one, that may put the older baby off. I fed my first baby thruogh my second pregnancy and beyond, tandem feeding to different aged siblings. I weaned her at 22 months when her brother was10 months and I discovered I was expecting number 3!! Even with supermum's, something's got to give!  I've never had to quit feeding until my baby was ready. They have all fed until at least 14 months, and most of them during pregnancy. Good luck, and don't listen to the people who throw worries about. It's all natural!

Thanks for the help everyone. And thanks Fiona, its really great to hear from someone who's had alot of experience in the area, it makes me feel better. Thanks :)

Fiona - posted on 07/01/2009

Quoting Chantelle:

Breastfeeding while Pregnant

Hi. I'm a mum to a 8 1/2 month old girl. My husband and I are starting to try for another baby. I have been breastfeeding our girl since she was born and have never tried formula. I have heard that once you get pregnant babies can go off the breast milk. My question is if anyone has had any experience with this. I want to avoid going to formula but know that I'm not supposed to give cows milk till 12 months. I have been giving a little bit of cows milk with one weet-bix 3 or 4 times a week but thats hardly any. She has taken this fine though without any problems. Any advice or help will be appreciated. Thanks :)

Hi, I am currently breastfeeding my 7th baby. My eldest is only 11, so I've done a lot of breast feeding whilst pregnant. My first 2 children are just over a year apart, and I had no end of trouble getting helpful advice about feeding in pregnancy. Eventually I discovered that nature is very clever. Babies don't tend to go off milk with the pregnancy itself, when you are ready to deliver your next baby and the milk turns to colostrum for the little one, that may put the older baby off. I fed my first baby thruogh my second pregnancy and beyond, tandem feeding to different aged siblings. I weaned her at 22 months when her brother was10 months and I discovered I was expecting number 3!! Even with supermum's, something's got to give!  I've never had to quit feeding until my baby was ready. They have all fed until at least 14 months, and most of them during pregnancy. Good luck, and don't listen to the people who throw worries about. It's all natural!

Carly - posted on 06/30/2009

Don't worry till you are preg. than talk to your doctor you may need extra vitamins, with them being so close and still breast feeding but don't stop as long and you watch your nuitrition you will be fine

Shawna - posted on 06/30/2009

I would discontinue the cows milk, and maybe give yogurt instead. Cows milk is very hard to digest and not recommended for a child that young. I breast-fed my oldest daughter when I got pregnant with our second child, they are 18 months apart. There is no reason for you to wean if you still want to continue breast-feeding your daughter. Here is a link that will hopefully answer your questions.http://www.kellymom.com/bf/tandem/index....

Vicki - posted on 06/30/2009

Is Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Safe?

Many mothers worry that breastfeeding during pregnancy is not safe. Many fear they will have to wean their baby or toddler immediately in the event of a pregnancy. If you find you become pregnant while breastfeeding you do not necessarily have to wean your baby or toddler. La Leche League International supports breastfeeding during pregnancy. That said, many doctors and well meaning friends may have other opinions about breastfeeding during pregnancy.



You may find well meaning friends and family express concern about the health and well being of your unborn baby if you continue breastfeeding during pregnancy. Here are some facts you should know about breastfeeding during pregnancy. These facts should arm you with the information you need to know to make appropriate decisions regarding your health and that of your unborn child.













Tandem breastfeeding is common. You don't necessarily have to wean your toddler or baby if you become pregnant while breastfeeding. You may decide to continue nursing both your babies after your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding during pregnancy will result in some uterine contractions, but uterine contractions are experienced regularly throughout pregnancy as with exercise or during orgasm.

Breastfeeding will not necessarily increase your risk of miscarriage, unless you are already at risk for miscarriage during pregnancy.

You will need extra rest and will probably feel more fatigued if you continue breastfeeding during pregnancy.

You will need to eat adequate nutrition to support your breastfeeding relationship and support the nutritional needs of your unborn baby. You may want to consult with a nutritionist to ensure you are eating enough to support both your children's needs, as well as your own.

Many women who breastfeed during pregnancy find their nipples are more tender than normal. You can try switching your baby's position to help alleviate this discomfort.

Many women find that their supply of breast milk decreases during their second trimester. You may need to supplement at this point if your baby isn't getting enough nourishment. Other times, the flavor of your milk may change around this time, and some babies self wean because they may not like the change.

Proceed gradually regardless of the decision you make. If you do decide to wean you should take your time so as to minimize the impact on your nursing infant.

Many moms find that if they do wean, their toddler asks to nurse again when the baby is born. While some latch on just fine, others may find the taste unappealing or others forget how to nurse correctly. If you prefer not to tandem breastfeed you might consider offering your child a sip of breast milk in a cup and involving your older child in your breastfeeding relationship in other ways.

Breastfeeding is a tender time for both mothers and babies. Many women find breastfeeding during pregnancy incredibly rewarding, while others prefer to wean their babies after becoming pregnant. Regardless of the decision you make, you should feel supported in your efforts. If you are looking for breastfeeding support while pregnant, check out La Leche League International, an organization that offers support fro breastfeeding mothers and their babies. You can contact them at http://www.lalecheleague.org.