Pregnancy Symptoms While Nursing

E.,

When I was pregnant the first time my first symtom was that my breasts were NOT sore. I think they got sore later. A.

I wasn't as sore the second time around. However, it did get uncomfortable nursing and started limiting sessions to a few minutes.

I was nursing my oldest son until he was 15 months old and I was also pregnant. I was the same as you, I didn't have the sore breast, because I was nursing already. Don't worry too much on symtoms, because they will probably come later like mine did. The only reason I stopped breast feeding my son was that my milk supply suddenly stopped when I was about 4 months pregnant. I just thought my body was preparing for the next child.

I'm still nursing and am pregnant and found that I didn't feel any soreness until the 2nd trimester. I'm in the third trimester now and things are better. It wasn't so bad during the 2nd trimester that I wanted to stop, but I just tender and a little sore. Also, I never got morning sickness until at least the 6th or 7th week, so you'll get more symptoms in the days to come perhaps. Good luck! It's great you're still nursing your 19 month old!!

Remember your body has done this before so it may have different symptoms and signs this time around. That being said, I also had your peeing symptom after the first pregnancy without other symptoms since I did nurse through my other pregnancies. I still nurse my 3 yr old and 1 year old and holy cow, did it make my recovery WAY WAY easier -- and I do credit the nursing for that. My midwife agreed as well that that's why it was so much better the other times. SO don't stress -- it'll all be ok hopefully and enjoy your pregnancy and the little one to come! Congrats! And most of all, treasure these last few months special with your one and only first born - things change a lot after the 2nd is around (for the better)

Hi E.,
Congratulations on doing such a great job as a new Mom who is continuing to breastfeed your 19 month old, and is continuing to breastfeed while now pregnant. There is a name for what you are doing - "Tandem Nursing" created by La Leche League, to help you understand that what you are doing is normal and fine. Now the exception to tandem nursing would be if you started to feel pain or contractions but otherwise you have joined women all around the world who nurture and love their babies, and save a lot of money by not buying formula! The term tandem nursing also means you can continue to breastfeed both children when your new one is born. A year's worth of exclusive breastfeeding can save you at least $2400.00 besides all the other positive reasons for breastfeeding. So, keep up the good work and have a happy pregnancy and delivery!!
A. J.,RN,MN,APN/CNS,IBCLC,FILCA
Dir of Nsg. Home Care of Newborns & Families, Inc.
###-###-#### or ____@____.com

Good for you for still nursing!! That's awesome and so healthy for both of you! My breasts weren't sore the second time. My son had just turned 2 (He stopped nursing at 23 months) when I got pregnant with my second. Every pregnancy is different- some with more, some with less discomfort. I encourage you to find a doc who is supportive of your continued nursing (some are not) and check it with them if you are still unsure.

I was also pregnant and nursing. I had 6 children, and each pregnancy, like each child, was a little different. I would only advise you not to worry, and to get good prenatal care. Once I delivered my 2nd baby, I was very anemic and weak. I didn't breast feed that one long, as my iron level was 9!

You probably will start to feel symptoms a little stronger in the next few weeks. 5 weeks is pretty early. I'm pregnant with #2 right now and didn't feel much nausea or anything else until about 8 weeks or so. Even then, it was mild - maybe you'll be lucky and won't feel too badly in your first trimester! Congratulations on the baby!

I got pregnant with my now 4 month old when my now almost 20 month old was about 7 months. I did not have sore breasts at all with the second pregnancy...although in the first one they KILLED! I was not nursing by the time I got pregnant with him though (quit when little girl was 4 months old due to trouble pumping at work but sticking it out this time for little man -- at least a year)..so I am not sure nursing has as much to do with it as it just being your second pregnancy. Your body can react differently to each one. I wouldn't say it is a cause for alarm at all ;) Good luck with the pregnancy!

E.,
When I was just into the second tri, I was ready to wean anyway. It was just as well though. My doctor told me that nursing might bring on contractions. That is just my experience with my practice and may mean nothing at all.
With both my pregnancies, I had different symptoms and cravings. My kids had 10 fingers and 10 toes. All good. We lost our first because of low progesterone at 9 weeks. That was the only thing I was concerned about. You know us "older" moms, our bodies don't always get the clue.

Good luck and congratulations,
L. L.