Nursing While Pregnant?

Hi S.,
I am 15 weeks pregnant and I'm still nursing my son who just turned 2. I second Lisa's recommendation of "Adventures in Tandem Nursing" by Hilary Flower, and if you decide that you need to wean or at least night wean, then I recommend "How Weaning Happens" by Diane Bengson. She has some good advice on how to gently lead your child toward weaning without ending up in a battle of wills.

I also recommend going to www.mothering.com to find your due date club. You will find lots of women there who are due the same month as you and many of them will still be breastfeeding too. If you find yourself wanting in-person support, you could attend the North Central La Leche League meeting which is on the second Tuesday of every month at Central Market on Broadway. There are several women in our group who are nursing toddlers and/or are pregnant while nursing.

Finally, (sorry to write such a long response) I second what Lisa said about midwifery care. I had an OB for my first birth and I'm seeing a midwife this time, and it is such a difference in the level of care I'm receiving. I feel like a partner in my birth, my midwife spends time with me, and she's teaching me cool stuff. If you've never really considered it but are curious, you should watch "The Business of Being Born" and/or read "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth." There is a really nice Birth Center here in the medical center area, and there are lots of midwives who do homebirths.

Good luck with your pregnancy and with making things work with your daughter whatever you decide!

I don't have advice on weaning, as I am an advocate of child-led weaning. Both my children weaned when they were ready. However, I nursed during both my second and third pregnancies. With my first child and second pregnancy, he nursed until he was 2 and I was 6 months pregnant. He just weaned himself slowly till one day he was finished. I had a wonderful pregnancy and my daughter was very healthy. Then when my I got pregnant with my third, my daughter was still nursing. She nursed until I was 7 months pregnant, and which time my milk started changing to colostrum. There just wasn't as much for her, so she weaned. SHe was 16 months old. I wanted her to go until 2 (and I think she would have if I hadn't been pregnant) but that's not the way it worked.

Old timers think it's unsafe to nurse while pregnant, but OBs, midwives, and lactation experts that are knowledgeable about breastfeeding know that it is perfectly safe, if you are not at a high risk for miscarriage (having several before). With my last pregnancy, my midwife suggested I eat extra protein and calcium because of nursing. I think the suggestion for nursing while pregnant is 90 grams of protein.

Dr. Brewer's pregnancy diet (which emphasizes protein, calcium, the proper amount of salt, etc.) has a "special needs" addition that includes breastfeeding while pregnant. Here is a link to reading up on that. http://home.mindspring.com/~djsnjones/id95.html You may need to navigate around to see the actual "diet" (it is not a restricted diet, it's just showing what all you need to be eating!) and then see what you need to add while nursing.

My midwife recommended a diet and when I looked up Dr. Brewer's, it was basically the same! I actually found it hard to make sure I got in everything I needed all day!

Good luck. If YOU don't feel like it's time to wean, don't do it. You don't have to do it on anyone else's time table. If it doesn't bother you, don't worry about weaning. She doesn't sound ready to wean. And the nutrition and protection doesn't stop when they turn 1, KWIM? There is a lot of research out there about how great nursing is for toddlers. And if you decide to tandem nurse (nurse the new baby and your toddler) the milk will adapt itself to the needs of the new baby, but will still be fine for your toddler.

A great resource for all things breastfeeding (incl. tips on weaning your toddler, nursing your toddler, the benefits of nursing a toddler, and tandem nursing) is www.kellymom.com

I didn't start co-sleeping with my daughter until she was 15 months old (hurricane evacuation started it). Ironically, this is what I think helped her wean herself! I think having me close by made her not need to nurse!

Hi S., First of all, I think it is wonderful that you are still nursing! Don't feel silly about that. I'm still nursing my 16 month old once or twice a day too. It's a great way to get her through cold and flu season. Anyway, my best friend is a lactation consultant and she nursed her son at least 3 months (or more) into her pregnancy. I have two other friends who did the same. It is not dangerous for either of your children or yourself. In fact, what will most likely happen is as your pregnancy progresses, your milk supply will dwindle and your daughter will probably ween herself. This happens because of hormone changes. Congratulations!

OK, So I see a lot of responses! But I was just like you!
My middle girl nursed up to 3 weeks before giving birth!
She turn 2, two months before the baby. I have 3 kids, and have them all sleep with me, (when babies).
I had two Dr.s I had to see, one said to stop breastfeeding by 20 weeks, the other Dr. said I was fine the whole time. I only feed her to go to sleep.

So this is how it worked out! I would talk to Madison about the baby and that she was going to have to share her "nu-nu". And then I had to take a medicine that I could not nurse, even if I wanted to! I had to tell Madison "mommies 'nu-nu' had medicine and it will give you a tummy ache"
So within a week I got her to sleep on her own, weaned her and got her potty-trained (but didn't stay when baby came, she is 2 1/2 and just now getting potty-train for good now)

It was so much easier than I thought! But I think she was ready to be the big girl then. Sometimes she would have to hold my nipple to go to sleep while I rocked her. When the baby came I asked her one day if she wanted to nurse too, and at first she laughed and thought it was silly, she did try for like a second, and then it grossed her out, and she never nursed since.

Although I got weird looks for nurses in hospital when they wanted to show you how to nurse, I would say I just did this 3 weeks ago. So my advise, they don't need to know everything!

I nursed while I was pregnant. You just have to make sure you're eating really well and getting plenty of rest. I say, if your girl likes the closeness you get from nursing, why deprive her of that, As long as you don't feel overwhelmed, there's no reason to stop.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am a midwife and there is no reason you can not continue to nurse while pregnant. However, be aware that your milk will most likely dry up in the next month or so and that may help your little one not want to nurse as much. Your colostrum will start to come back later in pregnancy and after the baby is born your other child may want to go back to nursing too. If you want to tandem nurse there is a good book called Adventures in Tandem Nursing. You can get it on Amazon. Also, have you considered midwifery care for your pregnancy? Research has proven over and over again that for healthy, low risk pregnancies, birth with a midwife is safer than birth in the hospital. And research has proven that midwives have better outcomes and give better care than OB's do. If you have any more questions feel free to ask me.

Blessings,
Lisa

Hi! Congratulations on your new news for the new year. I can only give you my experiences. I discovered I was 6 weeks pregnant when my son was only 6 months old. I was exclusively nursing (my son had never even had a bottle and refused it).

The first doctor I went to said stop immediately. I was so upset I just left the doctor's office knowing that I couldn't just cut off my 6 month old baby boy! I called my friend who I know nursed all throughout her pregnancy and got the name of her doctor. He was totally fine with it.

I nursed my baby until he was a year old. Then I took a 2 1/2 month break and began nursing the new baby. I just weaned the littlest about 3 weeks ago and he'll be 2 in 2 weeks. He would be the same as your daughter asking to nurse and following me around. I also stay home so he had my attention more throughout the days. He does sleep in a crib though.

I had gotten sick with a sinus infection and bronchitis (I never get sick) and had to take some medication. The medication said not to nurse while taking it. I told my son that mommy had to go the doctor and that the medicine I was taking wasn't good for him in his milk. He seemed like he somewhat understood. He started (relunctantly at first) taking Vanilla Soy Milk in a sippy cup more throughout the day like his big brother (now 3). Gradually he stopped nursing because I kept reinforcing to him that mom's milk wasn't good for him because of the medicines I had to take to get better. He stopped asking to nurse after about a week.

Sorry for the long explanation, but I hope it helps you in some way. I also have two friends that have nurse all throughout their pregnancies with no problems. I don't think there are any problems with unless you have a history of miscarriage. I would check with your doctor. Just be sure the doctor is a supporter of breastfeeding. As I found out some are not.

Best Wishes to You!

Hi S.,

I nursed my daughter until she was almost 2. She slept with us also so she did wake alot to nurse. I got mastitis and had to quit nursing because of the strong antibiotic. I just told my daughter that my "nini's" were sick and had bobo's. She did cry alot the first night but then it got better. I miss nursing so much but I guess it was time to quit. I think you can breastfeed while pregnant if you want. I am sure you will be drained but I think it is ok. Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose.

from your descrition it sounds to me that your daughter doesn't nurse for nutrion or food purposes as much as to console herself. Something that a binky, bottle, finger(s), blanket or favorite toy would do in most cases. In her's it sounds as she has made you and breastfeeding into her "binky".

Children need these things around them more so when they feel out of control, overtired, or upset over something. I suspect that if you do not wean her soon, when your next child is born you will find that she has a hard time accepting that the new baby wants to nurse. She may even get rather jealous and act out when the new baby is nursing.

With the bottle and binky, you eventually have to wean them from them...The same with your breast. Get her a blanket or stuffed animal she can cuddle with instead. Make sure that you sleep with it a few nights to get your scent on it before trying to wean your daughter. Since she sleeps with you now...continue to let her 1 to two weeks after giving her the new item...when she reaches for your breast, give her the animal or blanket instead and hug her close. She will learn that there is a way to console herself without nursing.

If it is during the day, find a way to sit with her (not nursing her) and give her the animal or blanket instead. After a couple of weeks and she stops reaching to nurse, then try moving her into her own bed. You may have to sleep in there with her for a couple of nights...but eventually you will have her out of your bed AND weaned from nursing and be getting ready for the new baby.

Just make sure for the next few months you try to take a few extra moments with your daughter whenever she seems upset or needing time with mommy...

I hope this helps... ;-)

While some nursing fanatics would tell you to nurse her till she's two or three, I would say you've done your part. First things first. You and your daughter need to learn that no means no. Easier said than done I know. But if she's going all day w/o nursing she can make it And if you don't start following through now it's going to make it incredibly hard come school age and then at puberty. A friend of mine says "you git what you git and you don't throw a fit." I love it. Basiclly momma said no and it means no. She's going to scream and cry and pull. But she's old enough for you to pop her in her playpen so she can follow you and walk off for a minute letting her know that she's hurting your ears, and you and that you'll want to deal with her when she's done. It worked great for me when my daughter wouldn't accept "no". Good luck it's going to be hard and try your patience.
~H.

From what I understand, it's not too wise. You would be compromising your milk quality and you would be compromising the quality of the pregnancy. I'm sure it can be done in emergencies. Plus, you want to break her of the habit now as you don't want to be nursing 2 babies or she be told she can't nurse anymore because you are now nursing the baby (resentment). Break the habit now, immediately so the connection isn't made, you can have the healthiest pregnancy possible, and you won't be nursing 2 kids at once.

My husband's ex-wife nursed while pregnant. Once the new baby was born, the milk being produced changed to what the newborn needed and the older child quit nursing then.

Your doctor is probably going to flip a gasket unles he/she is a REAL breastfeeding advocate, which unfortunately doesn't happen that often. With that said, yes you can continue to nurse. As long as your diet is good enough to allow you to gain weight and continue to produce milk. The nursing may cause contractions, so if you are prone to miscarriage, that is a risk.

If you're done nursing and want a 'break' before new baby I have to agree with Heather P, No means No. I'm on my third, all under 5 and it's crazy, you have to have a little you time while you can even if you're baking a new one. Exchange boobie for a tummy rub or something equally nice. I think she'll be fine even if she makes you, for a moment, think she won't.

Best wishes!

I was still nursing my daughter when I found I out I was pregnant with my son. I planned on weaning but didnt want to do it really suddenly so I was going to do it over the course of a month...well, plans changed because apparently being pregnant made my milk taste different because my daughter would nurse and then shake her head and make the yuck face. This happened for a few days until she just didnt want it anymore. She was 16 months old at the time so it was a very natural process and it sure helped relieve the burden from me. I am not saying you will be that lucky. I do know several people that tandem nursed but wow, what a commitment. I would never be cut out for that. Good luck to you and whatever you decide...I would suggest a gradual wean if it were me. Take care and congrats!

Hi, My name is E.. I have three kids who are 4 1/2, 2 1/2 and a 2 month old. Don't worry about nursing while you are pregnant. I have tandem nursed my kids (nursing an older and younger baby at the same time.) I found it great at the end of my pregnancy when I was super tired I would ask my energetic toddler to come lay down with me and nurse and we would get bonding time and a much needed rest for me. I am still nursing my middle child and I think it has helped with any issues of jealousy and attachment. Just follow your heart and let your child lead you. They will let you know when they are ready to ween. We all still sleep together which has been great for us. You will love seeing your babies nursing together and holding hands or your older one patting the baby on the back. I hope you decide to stick with it and don't follow someone elses advice to quit nursing or to quit cosleeping. This is your life and your kids.

Best wishes,
E.

I have not read all of your responses, but I am an OBGYN nurse (well, I was before becoming a SAHM). Nursing causes your uterus to contract. That can cause you to have a miscarriage. Not a wise thing to do. Your 16 month old is old enough to be weaned, I know it is hard, but for the sake of your pregnancy, you should quit.

My aunt nursed her first child until her second child was born. She nursed both children until they were three, and they are three years apart, so that means she was nursing continually for 6 years. It seems a little much for me, but I say, your pregnant, your tired, make life as easy on yourself as possible. If that means nursing then nurse! Congrats on your new one on the way!
K.

I nursed during my second and also my current pregnancy. I was told 20 weeks is where i should stop because of nutrition for my unborn baby and also because of the risk of premature labor. I beleive my cousin nursed during her whole 3rd pregnancy since she turned up pregnant when her baby was 4 months old. Both our children are very healthy but it is always best to follow your doctors advise but I really would not sweat it at this point.

Hi S.. I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant and nursed my 2 year old up until 25 weeks. I was planning to continue until her second birthday this month but due to an illness, I needed to stop. At my first ob visit at 6 weeks pregnant, the nurse practioner recommended I stop, however, my doctor said there was no harm in continuing. Talk to your doctor.
My little one just nursed to nap and to sleep at night. It's comforting for them and am sure your little girl feels the same when she gets home to be with mommy. Enjoy the closeness you share with her at this time before the new baby comes. And don't worry about a growing belly in the way. She will find a comfortable position. Best of Luck and Congratulations!!!

I think the bigger issue here is that having your child sleep with you and nurse all night is not good for any of you, including your husband. You are not getting the rest you need and she's developing a bad habit of eating not sleeping during the night. Be positive about her sleeping in her bed/crib (if you don't have one, get one). I would recommend reading The Baby Whisperer to help you learn to help her go to sleep without nursing. I'm betting that you nurse her to sleep.

You are probably feeling guilty for sending her to daycare and nursing is your way of making up for the time away from her. There are other things you can do with your child to help her feel special, loved and connected to you. Play with her, read to her, hold her, rock her, rub her back, etc. If you are wanting to wean her I would try distracting her when she pulls at your shirt and throws a fit. Don't react to her fit, stay calm instead and soothe her with another activity other than nursing.

Hi, S.!

Congrats on your pregnancy! Some doctors say that you shouldn't nurse while you're pregnant because nursing causes your uterus to contract, which is what happens when you go into labor, so they say not to since you don't want to miscarry your baby. However, because the baby you're nursing is 16 months old, she's probably eating other foods in addition to nursing, so you're not nursing as much as when she was a newborn. I nursed while I was pregnant, but my babies were older, so it didn't cause any complications. I've nursed all my babies for well over a year...some for over 2 years! Enjoy every second...they grow up so fast!

Blessings,
S.
SAHM of 7 (ages 2 to 14)