Nursing While Pregnant - Berwyn,IL

I nursed my daughter while pregnant with my son and she continued to nurse even when I felt there wasn't anything there.
I am now tandem nursing. I don't feel that there is any rivalry between them at all. My son is only 4 months old so obviously he gets priority but I can comfortably nurse both together now. I couldn't in the beginning and my daughter was pretty pissed off alot. SHe's adjusted now and they hold hands sometimes when they nurse now which is just awesome and priceless. Whenever I'm fed up with nursing a toddler, she does something cute like that and it becomes totally worth it. Nursing can cause slight contractions (I didn't have any until i was in labor) but so can having sex and I read that unless you are told to refrain from sex then nursing is ok too. My daughter was just a few months older than yours when I got pregnant and there was no way she was ready to wean. She still isn't at 26 months old. I felt that the transition was easier for her because she had that constant in her life.

P.:

congratulations... you are doing fine!. your milk will change through the course of the pregnancy... and the supply will decrease.... BUT... your daughter is breastfeeding more for the nurturing than the nutrition.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

Congrats on #2! I didn't nurse while pregnant, but did nurse my son, now 14.5 months (still nursing a little). Here is a great site for info:
www.kellymom.com
All kinds of info here on nursing.

It's not dangerous and actually it makes labor A LOT easier. It is painful at times -- I will not lie, but it is well worth it. I would not listen to any doc that tells you its bad for the fetus cause I know a lot of women who claim this is why they stopped while pregnant and unfortunately it is totally ignorant info out there. If you want to, you should and feel good about your choice. It definitely is great for bonding of sibs when the next one comes around. My two are SO close because my older one nurses with the baby (5 months old) and they hold hands and look at eachother while nursing. It is precious! I'd be happy to share more if you have specific questions, but my computer is about to die! Good for you!

Hi P.- As a SAHM of 4-My oldest 2 children are 19 monthes apart and I nursed my oldest daughter until she was 14 monthes old (so nursed until 4 months preg) I had no supply issues and decided to wean 1 feeding a week after 13 months (more as an opportunity to have my toddler bond with me by cuddling and reading books and singing so we wouldn't run into sibling rivalry over nursing- my daughter was going to have to share a lot of things with the new baby and I didn't want her to feel she had to share nursing too- I do know some moms who do tandem successfully but I knew it wasn't for me) I know whatever works for you will work for your family and just make sure you stay hydrated and lots of calium- Your body will deplete your bone's calcium before they take it from either baby- so make sure you keep healthy!
Good Luck!
B.

Hi P.,

My kids are 18 months apart so was still breastfeeding my daughter at 10 months of age when I was pregnant with my son. Unfortunately, I was directed by my doctor to stop breastfeeding because I was getting cramps. Turns out, the breastfeeding was triggering mild contractions that could have caused a miscarriage.

I don't want to scare you, but it may be a good idea to check with your doctor and see what they think. Also, pay attention to your body and definitely talk to your doctor if you start to notice any cramps.

Good luck.

Jen

#1 was 6 months old when i got pregnant with #2 and continued to nurse #1 for 4.5 months into my 2nd pregnancy with no problems. i continued to nurse and pump (i was working) like normal and didn't notice a decrease in supply except for my mid-afternoon pump at work...it dropped like 2 ounces, but i didn't have a problem feeding #1 ever. she pretty much weaned herself 4.5 months into my second pregnancy.

congratulations!! it does make you extra tired, nursing and being pregnant but just keep it up and whatever is meant to happen will happen naturally.

Hi P.,
I got pregnant when my son was 16 months old, and I nursed him until I was about 25 weeks along. I didn't really have any problems, although he was already down to 2x/day when I got pregnant. He basically self-weaned at that point. Partly due to a decrease in supply (I suspect - though he was really only having 1 "snack" per day at that point) and partly because we changed his routine and moved him into a "Big boy bed".

I know several moms who have nursed throughout their entire pregnancy and went on to tandem nurse, or weaned very shortly before they gave birth. Honestly, I was exctremely happy to have him weaned - he was almost 21 months old and seemed ready. My boobs were just "done" with nursing and needed a break before baby #2 arrived (which should be in about 3 weeks!)

Good luck, and congrats on your pregnancy!

I was still nursing when I got pregnant with #2 & #3. Both my girls self weaned between 6-8 weeks. My first was only 10 months old and she was done. I was surprised, but happy it is a lot on your body to do both even though it is possible. I'm guessing the milk tasted different and possibly my supply decreased. Congrats on the new pregnancy!