Breastfeeding during pregnancy

“You breastfeed your baby and find out you are pregnant. You don't want to stop breastfeeding too soon, but you are concerned about how pregnancy affects breastfeeding and how breastfeeding affects pregnancy. There is no evidence that breastfeeding can endanger a pregnancy that proceeds without complications. Pregnancy does not affect the quantity and quality of milk. "

You are pregnant and still breastfeeding your older child. You wonder if you should stop breastfeeding, if enough milk is still produced, what is the impact of breastfeeding on the unborn child. Sometimes the mother, or the child, decides to gradually stop breastfeeding during pregnancy. Some, however, continue throughout the pregnancy, especially if the baby is still young and the pregnancy is unplanned.

Breastfeeding partly protects against the next pregnancy, but every woman's body is different. Some women get pregnant easily while still breastfeeding. To protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy, consult your gynecologist about what contraceptive method is recommended during breastfeeding.

If you find yourself in this situation, you will have many questions and dilemmas. Sometimes health workers' advice will be different; be careful and think thoroughly if someone advises you to stop breastfeeding, especially if your baby is only a few months old.

What is the impact of breastfeeding on the unborn child?

  • There is a concern that the unborn child will not get enough of the food he/she needs. It seems that the unborn baby's needs come first, and that he/she gets everything he/she needs if the mother's diet is regular and of good quality.
  • Caution is advised if the mother has previously had a miscarriage or preterm birth, although the probability of this happening due to breastfeeding is low.
  • Another dilemma is whether the new baby will get enough colostrum. It seems that the breast automatically starts producing colostrum towards the end of pregnancy. The taste of colostrum (more salty than mature milk) can help wean the older child.

How does a pregnant woman feel while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding during pregnancy can have various side effects. Some mothers report that their morning sickness exacerbates during breastfeeds, probably due to hormone secretion, hunger, thirst or fatigue. Your nipples may become hypersensitive owing to pregnancy hormones; pay attention to a good breastfeeding position and good latching on the breast.

Is enough milk still produced?

If your baby is under nine months old, you eat well and offer the baby to suckle whenever he/she wants, there are good chances of maintaining the required amount of milk. Sometimes pregnancy hormones reduce milk production; you should consult a doctor in any case.

Stop breastfeeding or not?

If you decide to stop breastfeeding, try to do it gradually. Sometimes your baby decides to stop breastfeeding him/herself; it is normal to feel guilty for speeding up this process by getting pregnant, or to regret the loss of this special connection you had with your child. Try to focus on the new baby and the relationship you will all have together. Your second and subsequent pregnancies are a special period. You will feel more confident in your role as a mother, because you have already successfully given birth and breastfed your child.

Tandem breastfeeding

Tandem breastfeeding means breastfeeding two children of different ages at the same time (as opposed to breastfeeding twins). It is possible to breastfeed both children after childbirth. Sometimes, the older child, who stopped breastfeeding during pregnancy, asks to continue after the new baby's birth. Tandem breastfeeding is possible and some professional associations recommend it. The advantage is that the older child still enjoys all the nutritional and immune benefits of breastmilk, and can also help the mother if the breasts are engorged. On the other hand, the younger child may not get enough milk, or the mother's full attention and focus.