Is it safe to continue breastfeeding during the third trimester?

Eva - posted on 06/02/2011

Thank you for sharing Sara and Laura :) Its very reassuring to know there's so much support out there, and tons of actual experiences of successful tandem breastfeeding to prove the point. God bless!

Laura Zoey - posted on 06/01/2011

Yup it's safe if your pregnancy is low risk! I just delivered my second baby three weeks ago and I'm still breastfeeding my son. He's two and nurses a ton, I was 9 days late so I'm positive breastfeeding does NOT cause preterm labor! I had tons of fake labor contractions for a week or so before the birth, but real labor isn't going to be brought on until your body is really ready for it! Tandem nursing them now and while it's demanding, it's wonderful! Congrats and I hope you enjoy it all!

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 06/01/2011

I was very fortunate that my doctor knew so much about breastfeeding. I went into my first prenatal appointment expecting to have to argue with him about how it's ok to nurse through pregnancy, but when I told him we were still breastfeeding he said, "ok!" And then told me how it's perfectly safe in a healthy pregnancy. I love him! He was such a fantastic doctor that when I expressed concerns about birthing in a hospital he recommending a birth center next door with great midwives. I wish all doctors were as caring as he is!



Our bodies are pretty amazing. In the book I was telling you about she talks about why the hormones don't bother the uterus. Yes, oxytocin is released during pregnancy and this is the same hormone that contracts the uterus during labor. The uterus has oxytocin receptors that are basically inactive until the uterus is ready for labor so the hormones will have no effect on the uterus until it's good and ready. If you're a LLL member then you may be able to find that book in your group library. Congrats on nursing this far into your pregnancy. I know it's not easy sometimes. Good luck!

Sara - posted on 06/01/2011

It is perfectly safe to nurse through a 'normal' healthy pregnancy and continue once the newborn has arrived also. Always remember to give the elder one the breast which the newborn has just nursed from. Not a problem... keep going X

Eva - posted on 06/01/2011

Thank you Sara! Yes, all my previous pregnancies were healthy. My La Leche League adviser did assure me that the same hormone released during sex is the same as the one triggered by breastfeeding. Hence if I'm allowed sex (yes up to 8 months according to my doctor) then I am allowed nursing as well. I was just wondering why some doctors, including mine, as well other people, seem to think nursing while pregnant is harmful to the unborn child. I appreciate your feedback, it was very helpful and I will check out the links you posted. :)

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 05/30/2011

Do you have a healthy pregnancy? Have you ever had issues with preterm labor? Are you allowed to have sex or has your doctor recommended that you not have sex?Many doctors are not informed about nursing through pregnancy. I would ask for a second opinion. It is perfectly fine to nurse all the way through a healthy pregnancy. I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant and nursing my 2 year old. It is normal to feel some Braxton Hicks contractions during or right after breastfeeding. Some women may also feel a little cramping. All of this is normal. In my experience, sex causes way more Braxton Hicks contractions and cramping then nursing does. The book "Adventures in Tandem Nursing" by Hilary Flower was very helpful to me. It was filled with research-based info on nursing through pregnancy. You could also contact your closest La Leche League Leader (http://www.llli.org) for more info.
Here are some helpful links:
http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/faq/0...
http://www.llli.org/faq/bfpregnant.html