If you are currently breastfeeding and discover you are pregnant, you may wonder, can you breastfeeding while pregnant? Although there are concerns about exclusively breastfeeding a young baby while pregnant, most moms can continue. Here are some things to consider if you want to breastfeed while you are pregnant or planning another pregnancy.
1. Your Nipples May Become More Tender
During pregnancy, your nipples may become more sensitive because of changes in your hormones. Hormonal changes can lead to nipple discomfort, especially in the first trimester. If this happens, you may want to breastfeed less often or for shorter periods of time and pump and bottle feed to give your nipples a break. Pay attention to your body and adjust your breastfeeding routine as needed.
2. Your Milk Supply May Drop
When breastfeeding while pregnant, you may notice a drop in milk supply, which is also caused by hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. While your milk supply may not completely dry up, moms usually notice a drop in the fourth and fifth months of pregnancy.
3. Your Breastmilk Will Change
As your pregnancy progresses, your breastmilk will gradually change in volume, consistency, taste, and nutritional components. This is because, as you get closer to delivery, your breastmilk will turn back into colostrum, the nutrient-rich early milk. Colostrum is safe for your breastfeeding child, but they may notice the difference and decide to wean, and that’s okay. Sometimes, older babies who initially wean may express interest in breastfeeding again after the new baby arrives.
4. You Can Feed Both Your New Baby and Toddler
A wonderful way to ease your toddler into sharing you with your new addition is to nurse your newborn and older child at the same time. This is called tandem feeding. If you decide to tandem feed, give yourself a few weeks to get used to the new routine. You and your newborn may need time to learn how to breastfeed, and your older child may need time to adjust to having a new sibling. Over time, you can find the most comfortable breastfeeding position for all of you.
One benefit of nursing both babies at the same time is that your older baby can keep your supply going if your newborn is struggling with a shallow latch or other nursing issues. As long as nursing your newborn isn’t painful, you can take time to figure out the underlying causes.
5. It's Important to Make Time for Yourself
Juggling pregnancy, breastfeeding, and family responsibilities can be challenging. It’s important to make time for yourself to maintain your well-being when you’re breastfeeding while pregnant.
During this time, your body will go through a recovery phase after giving birth, which involves both physical and hormonal changes. This period typically lasts six to eight weeks and is called the “fourth trimester” in some cultures.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What are the side effects of breastfeeding while pregnant?
Common side effects of breastfeeding while pregnant are tender nipples, reduced supply, change in type of breastmilk, and feeling overwhelmed from nursing two babies at once.
Does breastfeeding while pregnant reduce morning sickness?
Breastfeeding while pregnant can either improve or worsen morning sickness. Everyone is different.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding while pregnant?
There are many benefits of breastfeeding while pregnant. You can continue to bond with your older baby and ease them into having to share you with a new sibling. Your older baby can also keep your supply going while you figure out nursing issues with your newborn.
Summary
Breastfeeding while pregnant can be a unique and sometimes challenging journey, but it's entirely doable if you know what to expect. Nursing during your pregnancy can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Better Breastfeeding is here to provide you with all the support you need.