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Guest Post by Kate of Modern Alternative Mama
When I was ready to get pregnant with my second baby, my first was only 9 months old. My biggest worry was that my milk supply would dry up and that I wouldn’t make it to a full year of breastfeeding. I was honestly kind of terrified about that (it does happen to about 70% of women). But I got lucky…and she continued to nurse throughout my pregnancy. And my next pregnancy. And still sometimes now…at almost 4 ½ years old.
But this isn’t about extended breastfeeding, so we’ll skip that last part. This is about breastfeeding during pregnancy. Can you? Should you? Will it hurt? Let’s take a look.
Image by ODHD
Can You Breastfeed During Pregnancy?
There are some out there – even doctors – who will tell you that you can’t. They will tell you that breastfeeding during pregnancy could hurt you or your baby or even that you can’t get pregnant while you’re still breastfeeding.
However, many women – like me – do get pregnant while they are still breastfeeding. It is definitely possible.
Most women (about 70%) will notice a reduction in their milk supply, and it will continue going down until it basically disappears. There will be a small amount of clear-ish colostrum (much like during your first pregnancy), but not enough for your nursling. This experience of the milk disappearing can occur at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks, etc. Women experience it at different times.
Most women who are going to experience the disappearance of their supply will notice by 16 weeks, because that is when the body begins to switch to colostrum production for the new baby. (Note from Erin: My milk has dried up between 16-20 weeks during both my second and third pregnancies. Both of my girls weaned around this time in my pregnancies.)
Despite a lack of milk, some babies will continue to nurse for comfort. Others are turned off by the lack of supply and the change in taste and will wean. It depends entirely on the baby – and on the mom!
About 30% of women will experience lower milk supply but will still keep up decent production throughout pregnancy. Some of these babies will still wean, because the milk taste changes (similar to the way it changes during a normal weaning process) and they don’t like this. If you are someone who keeps her supply, it will be up to you and your baby if you continue!
Should I Breastfeed During Pregnancy?
This is an entirely different question. While about 30% of moms can breastfeed throughout pregnancy, should you?
It’s definitely not a good idea, nor very easy, to get pregnant while you are exclusively breastfeeding. When your body is providing 500+ calories per day to a baby plus supporting your own needs, you don’t need pregnancy draining you, too.
Overall, pregnancy and nursing are extremely taxing on your body and pull from your nutrient stores. It is incredibly important to eat a nutrient-dense diet and really take care of yourself during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for a while after weaning, too.
Traditional cultures say that babies should be weaned between ages 2 and 3 and that mom should spend six months to a year building up her nutrient stores before getting pregnant again, with children spaced 3 – 5 years apart. Or, at least, this is what everyone seems to say (based on Dr. Weston A. Price’s research).
Everyone is an individual, though, and we make child spacing decisions based on more than what some research tells us is “ideal” in general. There are those who strictly adhere to this protocol because they feel that their bodies need rest and replenishing.
Some women are very vulnerable to nutrient loss, and their baby’s future health could suffer if they get pregnant again too quickly.
Other women “bounce back” very easily and do not suffer any ill health effects (nor do their babies) from more closely spaced pregnancies.
My first two are just under 18 months apart, and my second two are just over 2 years apart, and I have not personally had any health problems, and my third baby is my healthiest one. This worked for me. Your experience may differ.
Image by yorkd
Supposing you’re already pregnant and still breastfeeding, whether to wean or continue depends on you (and baby). You may find the sensation of nursing very irritating, especially if you lose your milk supply. You may find, especially in the first trimester, that you experience a lot of pain associated with nursing (because of the hormones and breast tenderness). A few women even find that their morning sickness is more severe when they’re nursing (and a few find it is less severe). You may choose to wean because you can’t stand nursing anymore, physically.
Another consideration is whether or not you want to tandem nurse. If you are still nursing in the final weeks of your pregnancy, prepare to do it. It’s too abrupt to wean a toddler less than 6 weeks prior to the birth of a new sibling (in most cases), because the toddler will often be jealous and feel like their new sibling “stole their milk.” Tandem nursing alleviates a lot of that jealousy. (I actually didn’t see any from my oldest when my second was born, and very little from my second when my third was born. Most of my second’s jealousy came when my third became mobile and started getting into his stuff!)
Image by melbia
If you don’t want to tandem nurse, aim to taper off nursing sessions and replace them with cuddles, stories, or other “bonding” moments by around 6 months pregnant. This will give you plenty of time to have a “break” and to help your child move on to this new stage of life before a new sibling arrives.
Nursing a toddler is a true give-and-take relationship (unlike nursing a tiny baby!) so communicate your feelings to your toddler as much as you can. “That hurts Mommy right now” or “Mommy’s feeling tired, can we snuggle instead?” can go a long way to helping your toddler understand. Don’t blame the baby, though – just talk about how you feel.
Image by simmbarb
Circumstances That Warrant Caution
So far I’ve just mentioned personal preferences. But there are some women who shouldn’t breastfeed during pregnancy.
If you have a history of miscarriage, premature labor, or have been told for any reason to abstain from sex, you should avoid breastfeeding during pregnancy. Some women who are extremely sensitive to oxytocin can experience problems in pregnancy when they are breastfeeding.
This is rare. It does happen and if you have anything that concerns you (cramping, spotting, contractions, or a history of problems), consult a professional about whether or not nursing is right for you.
I carried my third baby to 40 weeks while tandem nursing, though. Most of the time, the body doesn’t produce enough oxytocin to actually affect the pregnancy. I even nursed my oldest while in labor with my second and it didn’t do a thing! Don’t worry too much, unless you know there is something in your personal history that warrants caution.
Have you or would you breastfeed during pregnancy?
Kate is a work-at-home mom to three kids — Bekah, age 4; Daniel, age 2.5; and Jacob, 6 months. She is married to Ben, a wonderfully supportive husband! She blogs at Modern Alternative Mama, where she writes about natural health, real food, parenting, and all things “green.” She has authored more than 7 eCookbooks, including Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods and From Breast to Bib. In her “free” time, she enjoys sewing, crafting, cooking, and playing with her children. Follow her on Facebook!
*Neither Kate nor myself are pregnancy or breastfeeding experts. We simply write from personal experience and personal research. Please consult your trusted health professional before making any decisions regarding pregnancy or breastfeeding.
*I have included affiliate links in this post.
I’m linking up with: The Better Mom, The Prairie Homestead, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Deep Roots at Home, Time-Warp Wife, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well
Works for Me Wednesday,Fight Back Friday
Top Image by Pusteblumenland
Check out the other posts in this series:
- 5 Simple Tips for Combating Morning Sickness
- Reflections on my First Pregnancy
- 10 Reasons We Opted to Give Birth at a Birth Center
- Easing Leg Pain During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Posts Around the Web
- A Tale of Two Births: Medicated vs. Natural Hospital Births, part 2
- A Tale of Two Births: Medicated vs. Natural Hospital Births, part 1
- How to Achieve a Natural Birth in a Hospital Setting
- Real Food Pregnancy Cheats/Shortcuts
- OB or Midwife: Finding the Birth Provider Who Works for You
- A Comparison of Birth Settings: Home, Hospital and Birth Center
- Resources for a Natural Pregnancy
- 10 Things Never to Say to Pregnant Women
- What Every Pregnant Woman Wants to Hear
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Much More than Severe Morning Sickness
- Pregnancy Posts Around the Web, Take 2
- Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
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I got pregnant with my second a month after my daughter turned one, (after only having one period!) I continued nursing until she was 17 months. I had wanted to go to at least 18 months, but my body just couldn’t take it anymore. Also, my daughter seemed to be more rough with nursing, which after reading your post, made me think maybe she wasn’t any different, but I was just more tender, so I noticed it more. My son is now five months, and I would love to be pregnant with number three any time, but want to continue nursing until at least 12 months, if not closer to 18 months again. We’ll see….
Wow–I can’t believe you only had one period–but I hear that is common! I was SO tender when breastfeeding while pregnant!
My nursing while pregnant experiences have not gone too well. They have lasted 2 months and then the breast tenderness put an end to them! OW! My morning sickness was also worse.
I have managed to nurse my three to 18-21 months! Currently pregnant with #4 and have to admit I prefer weaning before getting pregnant. I just seem to feel better! I know everyone’s experiences are different and if it is something you can do and enjoy go for it!
My girls both self-weaned when I was between 16-20 weeks pregnant. My first was 22 months at the time, and my second really gradually weaned between the time she was 16-18 months old. I was disappointed especially with my second because I had hoped to nurse a full two years! My milk just seems to change and dry up around that time. I was very, very tender as well! All of the sudden nursing started to HURT! LOL! Congrats on baby #4!!! I am due with #3 any day now!
This was a good post…thank you for pointing out that everyone’s situation and bodies are different. I got pregnant with #2 when my first was 9 months old(didn’t have a period, but obviously I ovulated!) I continued nursing for about 5 months of the pregnancy. She gradually self-weaned and I thought all was fine…I never seemed short on milk, she just needed less as she ate more food. BUT, two months later, I went into preterm labor due to placental abruption. I don’t know if lack of nutrients caused it, but that’s the only thing I’ve read that could have. I have to wonder if the nursing drained me of what it needed to keep my placenta strong. (If you know anything, please share!!) I admit that my 1st pregnancy and labor was problem-free, so I didn’t pay as much attention to my health with #2. Our preemie son is now almost 3 and doing just fine. But, needless to say, I doubt I would ever nurse while pregnant again. I think that normally it can be fine, but I would definitely tell moms to watch their fluid and nutrient intake very carefully!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Lyss!! It is so wise to take caution and make sure our bodies can sustain both breastfeeding and a pregnancy! My sister weaned her little boy on his second birthday since she was pregnant with twins…and she still went into preterm labor at 31 weeks a month later! Praise God your son–and the twins–are ok!
Erin recently posted..Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
Yes, an optimal pregnancy and nursing diet is VERY important while pregnant, especially if you are also breastfeeding.
In my second pregnancy, baby was born 10 days early with a deteriorating placenta. He was fine, everything was fine — but it was very noticeable. I had only just discovered “traditional eating” in my last few months and had yet to implement most of it. I had started out eating mainly processed and low-fat foods, and these are not healthy for pregnancy! (Or ever.)
But in my third pregnancy (tandem nursing), I focused on eating a very rich, nutrient-dense diet. I carried my baby to 40 weeks and the midwives commented on how excellent the placenta looked, very healthy and strong.
So, nursing while pregnant may definitely affect this, especially in sensitive individuals. But diet is CRUCIAL!
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama recently posted..Real Food Confession: Katie of Kitchen Stewardship
This is such a timely article as I’ve been thinking about this very topic lately. I have a 5-month-old son I’m currently nursing and was wondering what should happen should I become pregnant before he weans. I have 3 older children (9,8, & 6) all of whom I formula fed their entire infancy. I’m hoping to nurse for at least the next 7 months. My cycles have been hit and miss. Sometimes I skip a month but then it comes back. Thank you for your article!
Cheryl L. Stansberry recently posted..Think on These Things…
I wondered the same thing about my second! I ended up getting pregnant when she was 13 months. She self-weaned between 16-18 months. I would have liked to have nursed a full two years, but I am happy with how long she did nurse!
Very good information. I became pregnant with baby #2 when my eldest was 3 and still nursing. I dried up completely, but my daughter did’t want to tell me because she was afraid I wouldn’t let her nurse! She comfort nursed through my entire pregnancy and, I’m sad to say, it greatly irritated me. It did’t hurt, I just did’t like the sensation and would grit my teeth the entire nursing session (which sometimes only lasted a few seconds because I couldn’t take it). I was fully supportive of tandem nursing, however, wanting my eldest to make the decision of when she should wean. She nursed a few times, after my delivery, but no longer liked the taste of the milk. She had just turned 4. Even now, though, at 6 years old, I can tell she misses the intimacy. She likes to pretend to nurse on one side while my youngest actually nurses from the other side. To me, allowing her to remain close while I nurse is sort of a form of tandem nursing, as it’s the intimacy that’s important.
I agree–it’s the intimacy that’s the most important!
I kicked my kids off, especially my oldest, in the last few months of my last pregnancy. That is, I’d let them nurse for a minute, then make them stop, because although I didn’t lose my supply, it was still a very irritating sensation. I don’t think this is uncommon. And with the older ones, at least you can say, “That feels weird right now, can we cuddle?”
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama recently posted..Real Food Confession: Katie of Kitchen Stewardship
My first baby was a very difficult nurser. I had multiple clogged ducts and even a few infections. I just hoped that she would make it to a year before she flat-out refused to nurse anymore. She was not a comfort nurser, and she only nursed when she was very hungry. I got pregnant with my second baby the same month that my first turned one (and finally decided that she actually enjoyed nursing). My first ended up nursing all through my second pregnancy, and then I tandem nursed her and my son. By the time I got pregnant again, a few months after my son turned one, my oldest was only occasionally nursing, and my son was a champion comfort nurser. I nursed my son (and occasionally my daughter) through my third pregnancy, and then tandem nursed again. My oldest finally weaned when she was around 3. My first baby was very small, when I wasn’t nursing a baby during a pregnancy, and each baby was progressively bigger at birth
Obviously, this worked out for me and for us, but I do know some women who is does not work for. Thank you for posting about this!
Megan @ wwwsunshinethroughthewindows.blogspot.com
Megan E recently posted..There is no too far
Wow–I can’t believe you ended up nursing your first so long despite such a difficult nursing experience! You’re a strong mama!!
My kids were never into comfort nursing, either, in their first several months. My oldest even went through a phase from 10 – 13 months where she barely seemed interested at all and I thought she’d wean! But then she picked up with a vengeance in my last few months of pregnancy #2 and became quite the comfort nurser. It’s interesting how they change over time.
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama recently posted..Real Food Confession: Katie of Kitchen Stewardship
I am 12 weeks pregnant with #5. My “baby” turned 1 on Saturday and I am still nursing her. I have nursed through part of my last 3 pregnancies. I always get pregnant before I even have a period!
Wow!! I always get my period back early despite extended nursing. So glad you’ve been able to nurse during your pregnancies!!
I’m 15 weeks pregnant with my second, and I’ve been trying to continue to nurse my 9 month old. I can tell he’s getting frustrated there isn’t enough milk, and it makes me so sad to think about the possibility of having to wean him before he’s even a year old. My SIL watches him during the day and has been giving him my pumped frozen milk, as I cannot pump enough for even half a bottle right now (maybe 1.5 oz per 30 minute session- at most), but my frozen stash is quickly getting smaller. I’m going to continue to nurse him as long as he’ll nurse, but I’m also having to consider a formula to supplement with during the day while I’m gone. Any suggestions from anyone on formulas that are an easy transition for an ebf baby?
Kate @ Life with Luca recently posted..Luca’s big announcement
in my country the goverment suggest every people to breastfeeding their baby until they were 2 years old. they force it because they know milk from the mother have a lot of advantages for the baby. after 2 year old the baby can consumed milk formula and any other food. let’s we develop the breastfeeding behavior!!!!
lita emianita recently posted..Dehydration During Pregnancy Can Triggers Various Health Problems Such as Brain Disorder?