pregnant and still nursing a baby...

Stacey - posted on 07/28/2010

Hilary - My energy level returned at 12 1/2 weeks. I'm sure that nursing adds some to the decreased energy level, but for me it was just as tiring during my first pregnancy when I wasn't nursing. As far as stopping nursing, it is an individual decision. You need to do what you feel is best for you. 18 months is a long time as far as the majority of people think. However, it's better to have your peace of mind, regardless of what people say - either way you go. And as far as guilt - don't even go there. Just do what is best and what you can live with. Your son will be fine either way...because it isn't a perfect parent that raises good children, it's the concerned and caring one.

Hilary - posted on 07/28/2010

I'm 8 weeks pregnant and nursing my 18 month old son. My one problem that I am having right now is trying to stay awake and feel motivated to do things around the house. Thankfully I don't have a job right now. I don't know how I would function if I did. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what they did to gain some more energy? I feel so guilty about wanting to stop nursing my son because now I am pregnant with baby #2. Any advice?

Alisha - posted on 07/22/2010

I don't see a need to cut back if he still wants to nurse. It may be interesting to nurse two at the same time but once the baby comes you will start making even more milk. If you think you're losing your milk maybe you could pump and give it to your son in a sippy cup? The more milk you take out, the more will be made. Once you have a baby I'm pretty sure your milk will let down even more but don't stress about it too much, just nurse your son until you want to wean, it's completely up to you if you want to nurse two at the same time. It has been done before!

Stacey - posted on 07/21/2010

I'd speak to your local lactation consultant. Tandum nursing info is all over the web, so I know it can be done. My son and I are not ready to stop - that's why I'm asking for suggestions here.
I agree w/ you - it was done and probably still is in some areas of the world- and should be do-able.

Rebecca - posted on 07/21/2010

I have a question to add to this discussion, if you ladies don't mind. I wanted to nurse my first son until at least 1 year old, but wanted to get pregnant before then (we started trying again when he was 4 months old). The doctor tried to put me on BC right after he was born, and I told him of our plans and he said that I would have to stop nursing when I got pregnant because I would be taking too many nutrients from the growing baby inside by continuing to nurse the infant. So I would have to change to formula at that point.



That being said, I thought to myself, "didn't women for centuries still have to nurse while pregnant?" And at the same time, "Well, doc knows best, I mean, times have changed and we have less disease and a lower infant mortality rate, so maybe he's right." So, are y'all saying that nursing while pregnant is normal and safe? Because I would love to be able to do that. And are there any adjustments or precautions to take if you choose to do so? And lastly, each pregnancy I've had dangerously low progesterone levels (1 miscarriage, medication and weekly blood tests until the 12th week for the next two pregnancies), so would that factor in to whether or not I should nurse while pregnant.



Sorry, I didn't mean to take away from the OP, but since we're talking about it anyway, I thought I would ask.

Nicole - posted on 07/20/2010

I stop nursing twice when I was pregnant with my 2nd and 4th children. The first time my uterus was contracting, and even though my daughter was only 9 months, I had to stop, not even pump. She stopped cold turkey in two days. The second time, my 13 month old only wanted to nurse, yet I could not feed her, myself and the unborn baby, so I stopped nursing. With that said, the child will be fine and you should not feel guilty. If you are too tired and lack energy, it's not good for your health or your unborn child. Nothing can replace a mother's milk, but at 17 months there are many good healthy organic foods you child can live off of now.

Joelle - posted on 07/20/2010

When I was nursing while pregnant, I made a superfood drink...packed with barley green juice powder, nutritional yeast, spirulina; very easy for your body to use and assimilate, won't hurt baby, makes good milk. I used to make huge buckets of the stuff to give to people. I followed a recipe by Dr. Richard Schulze (www.herbdoc.com) but you can also find it at Modern Manna~ a Christ-Centered health ministry.



http://www.modernmanna.org/products_view...



It's called SuperManna

Polly - posted on 07/20/2010

Hang in there! Its totally normal to be so tired at this stage of the game. Take it easy and take care of yourself.

BTW - congrats on your pregnancy!!

Stacey - posted on 07/20/2010

I feel like I'm getting too much sleep, I'm so tired. I'm drinking 8 + glasses of water a day and taking vitamins.
Thanks for the link. I'll check it out. I hadn't thought of looking there.

Polly - posted on 07/19/2010

Here is an article on nursing while pregnant from La Lecha League. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/bfpregnant.html
It says milk supply usually doesn't dip until the 4th or 5th month. Is there a reason you think your supply is going down? Are you drinking enough water? Getting enough rest? Taking a prenatal vitamin?