Can you breast feed and be pregnant at the same time?

Nora - posted on 01/22/2012

I actually stopped. DD was 14 months old and she self weaned because of the hormones changing the taste and was not a fan. I was bummed but there was nothing I could do.

Laura Zoey - posted on 01/20/2012

Yes you sure can!

I conceived my second while my first was still breastfeeding 8-10 times a day! He continued at the same rate through my entire pregnancy and after my daughter was born he continued very frequently for about 6 months when he reluctantly decreased his frequency because I wanted him to nurse less. Now hes almost 3 and he nurses about 3 times a day and my daughter is 8 months nursing almost exclusively still.



My milk dropped to nearly nothing around 20 weeks but my son was not ready to quit and he continued nursing.



Now the question is will I soon be nursing two while pregnant with number three????

Sara - posted on 01/20/2012

It is perfectly fine to breastfeed 2 children, remember that the baby has first dibs and only then does your son have some as your son doesn't need the clostigen (I can't spell it).

I breastfed my daughter till she was 20 months but I finished as I couldn't cope with being pregnant and breastfeeding it took much out of me and I would get ratty at my daughter for no reason and my nipples were so tender I had to stop. But I do know ladies who breastfeed 2 children and one lady I know continually breastfed for 17 years after having baby after baby... it can be done. X

Jennifer - posted on 01/20/2012

i nursed almost my entire pregnancy with my last baby i ended up stopping about a month before the baby came only due to the fact that for whatever reason it became very painful for me i kept getting sharp pain in my breasts every time i nursed him so i figured it was just easier to stop at that point he was almost 2 anyway the baby came 2 days after his 2end birthday i was also told bay numerous people that i should stop and that nursing would cause preterm labor baby ended up being 1 day before due date lol and i am now nursing him at 18 mos as long as there are no good sound medical reasons such as history of preterm labor exct then you should be perfectly fine brestfeeding throughout your pregnancy good luck

Trudi - posted on 01/20/2012

I tandem fed my two girls the older was feeding 2 to 4 times a day when my little one was born. They are 17 months apart and I weaned the older just after her 2nd birthday. During pregnancy I did have to encourage her feeding and hence my supply a little during pregnancy and the milk was clearly different during the 2nd half of my pregnancy but she was definaty getting goodness. I could have very easily weaned her and there were times where she drank very little. Feeding both required a high calorie intake and my boobs got huge at times it was quite demanding on my body but definately worth it. The experience for my little ones to share me together was amazing and I wouldn't change it for the world. I got a lot of my information from the tandem mothers group on circle of moms feel free to ask me any questions if you want to do it then do it it's safe and healthy.

Heidi - posted on 01/19/2012

I did the same as most of the women here, breastfed through pregnancy, it was physically hard at 7,8,9 months though with the huge belly! He only nursed once or twice until the little brother came and then he was extremely happy to nurse sloppy seconds! He gained 5 lbs after my DS #2 was born because of the hind milk! I also was never engorged as he fixed that issue and my milk came in before I left the hospital! It was a win win!

Anna - posted on 01/19/2012

Nursing while pregnant is safe for you and the unborn baby. Just be sure you're getting enough good healthy calories.



One thing to consider is even if you intend to breastfeed through your pregnancy your child may have different ideas about it. I was never able to keep my supply up while I was pregnant and both my kids lost interest in nursing after a few months. My oldest child weaned at 20 months while I was pregnant and my second child weaned at 16 months while I was pregnant. I had been hoping to breastfeed longer. It was heartbreaking for me to sit down to nurse my daughter and have her turn her head away and suck her thumb instead. It was so sad to think that my pregnancy was forcing her to grow up faster.



Still though, I know women who successfully breastfeed throughout their entire pregnancy and go on to tandem nurse. It's just not something you can necessarily count on.

Gabriela - posted on 01/18/2012

I became pregnant while still breastfeeding and continued until around 19 weeks when neither my 21 month old daughter or I was actually enjoying it because it had become quite painful (very tender nipples). I would have continued until nearly full term, but when I realized she was not into it because she could feel my discomfort, we stopped. At the time she was feeding only once a day. Hope this helps.

Jane - posted on 01/18/2012

Dear Sarahann, we had exactly the same query/dilema as you. we wanted another baby and breast feeding was very precious to me and our daughter. We kept breast feeding and got prenant when our daughter was 2and a half. i was feeding twice a day at this point. The research is that its safe and natural and we had no problems. you may want to keep in mind a couple of things. Exclusive breast feeding acts as a natural contraceptive but isnt 100%effective. It can reduce your ability to conceive but not significantly if your child is also on solids (we got pregnant really quickly). I also found that it was a little tender feeding and did stop tandem feeding when 3 months pregnant (its still called tandwm feeding even if one baby is still yet to be born as youre still feeding them through the cord). I also found stopping when i did helped as it gave me time to help my daughter get used to it and a slightly different bedtime routine. it meant when baby came there was no nursing feeding jealousy. All the best of luck and have faith in youe instinct to guide you in what feels right. best wishes jane. (Ps we had a baby boy wwho is 6 months today).

Callie - posted on 01/18/2012

I nursed my daughter for several months while pregnant and then she weaned herself at about 26 months. My ob said that nursing while pregnant is fine for women with a healthy pregnancy. It's an old outdated theory that breastfeeding will cause problems. Happy nursing!

Erin - posted on 01/18/2012

I was still nursing my son (who was just about to turn two) when I got pregnant again. I continued to nurse him until I was about 24 weeks pregnant. Around that time I was starting to get too "touched out" and I am pretty sure my milk dried up as he essentially self-weaned (with very light help from me). Check out the book "Adventures in Tandem Nursing" for a good read and good advice!

LaLasha - posted on 01/18/2012

I did both of my kids were fine I was fine I didn't have any issues with supply or anything but that isn't the case for everyone some women dry up so I would as you female family members that have breastfeed and been pregnant and go from there.

Aicha - posted on 01/17/2012

It is 100% safe assuming that you are having a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, I nursed my daughter while pregnant with my son and am now nursing them both

Ania - posted on 01/17/2012

It is sae. You just have to take into account that your milk supply may completely dry out. Mine did when I was 10-12 weeks pregnant, so my son didn't have anything...and my nipples became so painful that I stopped all together, but he was 21 months at the time so he was ine with it

Terra - posted on 01/17/2012

It is 100% safe assuming that you are having a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. Your OBGY might try to tell you that you need to ween but that is because they are incredibly uneducated when it comes to breastfeeding during pregnancy. The only problem that might arise is your milk drying up or nursing becoming very uncomfortable for you. How old is your son? Is breast milk still his main form of nutrition? Are you prepared to tandem nurse you son and the new baby?



Here is a link to some great information on nursing while pregnant and tandem nursing.



http://www.kellymom.com/bf/tandem/index....