Are Miscarriages Caused by Breastfeeding?

Morning,

My sister never stopped breastfeed her first baby to become expecting again with her 2nd. She was encouraged to keep up the breastfeeding. I to have never heard about what your ob-0gyn is telling you.

J.

We were just diagnosed with a blighted ovum -- and yes, I am breastfeeding. It is impossible to say whether the blighted ovum was caused by the higher prolactin levels (and, hence, lower progesterone levels), but I do believe it is possible. I was able to successfully nurse my oldest while pregnant with our second, but he was night weaned and partially day weaned at that point. Our second is still a heavy nurser, and not night weaned.

I do believe there is likely some truth to what this ob/gyn said. Everyone told me nursing while pregnant was fine, but I do truly have my doubts now, especially when mom is older (I was 41 when we became pregnant a third time) and the next youngest is still nursing quite a lot.

It is possible that there was a chromosome problem, but because of the lack of knowing that for sure, I would now err on the side of caution.

This is an old thread, but I am hoping that my answer might help someone else who is looking for answers, as I was when I ran across it.

NO!... and yes I am screaming~

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

This is a myth. If your hormones are cycling and you're ovulating, your body will keep a pregnancy. It may take a little longer to conceive if you're still not regular, but it should "stick" just as well. Keep in mind that since you're 41 your risk of miscarriage is going to be higher than a 30 year-old's anyway, simply b/c of a higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities. Breastfeeding won't change that, though.

Lots of moms continue to breastfeed their children throughout their pregnancy. I weaned my son when I was about 21 weeks pregnant and he was 21 months old. At that point I decided my boobs needed a break before they were put back to work!

Hi N.,
I have been a doula for almost 6 years now, and I have never, ever heard of this at all. I know alot of people that get pregnant and breastfeed all the way through or almost all the way through. I can check on my doula group if you want, but I have never heard of this at all.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

I have never heard that BF could cause a miscarriage, but then again I'm not a doctor. I did get pregnant with #2, #3 & #4 while BF and I never had a period, but I did have a ovulation cycle and a rise in my basil body temperature, just no menstruation. My third pregnancy did result in a miscarriage, but I don't think it had anything to do with BF and my doctor never said that either and she knew I was BF. The only thing I can think is she is concerned for your body, she is your doctor and your health is her main concern. I have learned that doctors don't care too much if you BF or not, they are there to treat their patient, not your children. Good luck with your next pregnancy!

WOW, I never heard of that! I got pg w/ my 2nd child when I was still nursing my 1st son who was 10 months at the time & I had just started to get my period when my 1st son was about 7 months. My OB never mentioned anything like that to me & she knew I was nursing until at lease 1 yr.

NO! Your doctor is obviously not well-informed! If you are ovulating then your prolactin levels are obviously not so high that you can't be pregnant. Prolactin levels are high during pregnancy anyway so your body can prepare to breastfeed. Duh!

I would find a new doctor before I get pregnant with number two- who knows how much bad information she is giving you.

Like most miscarriages, a blighted ovum is most often caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the egg- given that our eggs are in place in our body before we're even born I cannot see how prolactin levels during pregnancy would affect that.

Good luck with conceiving and find a new doctor!

My ob told me to stop breastfeeding when I became pregnant again. She said that your progesterone can be low and that can cause a miscarriage. She actually had blood taken from me and it came back low on progesterone, and made me a perscription for progesterone pills. I took them 2 times and they gave me horrible diareah, and I stopped. I never had a miscarriage, and I wish I breastfed my first baby longer.

Another big no here too. I got pg while nursing twice and nursed through out my pregnancies. I am still nursing my 2 1/2 yro and I am 31 weeks. My Dr told me the same thing when I went in for my first visit at 14 weeks with my third and when I told him how far along I was he said well I guess since you are already past 12 weeks continue on. I gave him some links and articles that showed there is no link between nursing and m/c. At our next appt he thanked me and said I had given an old dog an opportunity to learn some new tricks lol Very common misconception. I did switch back to a midwife though:) The lll site or your group should have some resources to look up if it would make you feel better. Or kellymom.com. The only reason nursing could be harmful is if you are prone to pre term labour, nursing can bring on contractions, nothing to worry about unless you have a history. Everytime my little one nurses I think thanks for helping keep my uterus in shape, every contraction I have now is one less I'll have while in labour:)lol