Breastfeeding While Pregnant

"I plan on consulting my doctor and my daughters pediatrician, but would like to hear your feedback." Ack - if you do this, I doubt you'll get the most up-to-date or accurate information. Go ahead and ask them, but for me? I'd be horribly skeptical of their answers (neither peds nor OBs receive ANY breastfeeding training during their med school, residency, or specialty training - that tells you just how little they know).

I think it's great that you're asking the REAL experts on breastfeeding while pregnant: the moms who have done it. I think you should follow your instincts - if you want to cut back on her nursing, go for it. If you're not ready to wean her, honor that. You can do both - continue to nurse her, and nurse her fewer than 4 times a day. :)

Have you seen the Breastfeeding sections of the Mothering.com/discussions forums? Just a few sample threads:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=744484
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=735677

Best of luck - and huge congrats on nursing past 1 yr AND on yhour new pregnancy!!!! Wonderful!

J.,
Congratulations on your pregnancy AND breastfeeding for such a long time.

I have attached a link to kellymom.com http://www.kellymom.com/bf/tandem/links-nursingpregnant.h...
that has wonderful information regarding tandem breastfeeding and nursing while pregnant. Many, many mothers nurse while pregnant (and nurse 2 children at once) without any problems. I agree with a couple of the other moms- don't consult your doctor about this. They are NOT trained with enough knowledge about breastfeeding. It's best to consult a lactation consultant and/or your local La Leche League chapter. You can also get the LLL breastfeeding book (great info).

I also wanted to comment on the contractions you experience when breastfeeding. Yes, it's true but it doesn't seem to cause any problems with pregnancies.

Good luck and I hope you find all the information you're looking for.

First of all--Congrats on the new baby.

When my daughter was almost 9 months old, I found out I was pregnant with her sister. When I called my OB to make an appointment, the first thing the receptionist said was "STOP BREASTFEEDING IMMEDIATELY." She went on to say that the minor uterine contractions that accompany nursing may cause miscarriage. You do have these everytime you feed, weather you feel it or not.

I happened to have a pediatrician visit a few days later, and I asked him what he thought. He said he didnt think it was crucial to stop immediately, but if my OB said to stop then stop. Then he said to look at it this way: Baby #2 is relying solely and completely on me and my nutrition, food, vitamins, etc....for it's growth, health and well-being, especially in the 1st trimester. So, why would I compromise that child by continuing to 'take' nutrients out of my body in the form of brestmilk for another child. That's kind of a blunt way of putting it, but he was correct. We have formula, but the bun in the oven can't get another oven, so it needs to get total attention on it's growth.
I agree when you look at it that way, but my neighbor was told to stop by 24 weeks into her 2nd pregnancy, so different doctor's say and think different things. To be on the safe side, I suggest stopping ASAP.
Good Luck and Congrats again!!!!

Do you mean the pros and cons of breastfeeding while pregnant or continuing to breastfeed once the new baby arrives? I have never breastfed two babies at the same time, but I did breastfeed my first born while I was pregnant with my second for about three months until my first baby was weaned.

This is perfectly fine and healthy for everyone involved as long as you are taking in adequate nutrients, prenatal vitamins, water, etc. The new baby will get what he/she needs from your body as will your nursing baby, who I'm sure is also getting lots of outside nutrients from water, table food, and perhaps cow's milk. I had no problems nursing while pregnant, and it was the only time I could say I was eating for three! Good luck and congratulations!

I have to "second" the person who said to be careful about asking a doctor anything about breastfeeding! They really have NO training, just their own OPINIONS, which is no better than anyone else's opinion. I could go into more detail about the W. advice I got from my ped but I'll skip it and just hope that you believe that they really aren't experts on it!
As far as the person who said it wasn't healthy for the unborn baby, I have to strongly disagree with that. If anything, you are the one who will suffer, and that isn't even going to happen if you continue to eat properly. If you keep in mind that you are producing food (milk) as well as growing a baby there is plenty of nutrition to go around. Women did this for centuries, and it is really only in the US that we give babies formula, so many many women around the world are doing that exact thing (breastfeeding while pregnant).
I can't give you my personal experience because I still only have one child, but I just wanted to encourage you. If you have further concerns, I would talk to a Lactation Consultant, who has plenty of experience with this situation. One I can personally recommend is Pat Buchnell in Avon (see the business review section for her number if you want it) and Joy at the Cleveland Clinic Westlake (can't recall her last name : (
If you want to cut back, they can help you with that also. I had originally planned to nurse for a year but my daughter still nursed for naps at 22 months. I didn't even want to wean her then, because it was so minimal but BOY did it help if she was fussy--it was like giving her a magic "happy" pill! I weaned her then because it was starting to hurt me, and I just would say OW and she would want to stop. But she was older so I don't think that would have worked at 13 months.
Hope that helps!

J., Congratulations!! I was still breastfeeding my first daughter (who was 14 mos.) when I became pregnant with my second. I was also concerned because my daughter did not seem ready to stop, when I asked my OB he told me to continue as normal until she was ready, but to be prepared, that some womens milk supply decreases while others stops altogather. I continued nursing for about 5 more months until my daughter was 1 1/2. I did increase my water and vitamins, however over those 5 mos. my milk did decrease little by little, but it worked out perfectly. My daughter nursed alittle less as the milk supply lessened and by the time the milk was gone my daughter became more interested in her cup. We never had any problems and both of my girls now 2 amd 4 are very healthy. I hope things work out as well for you!

Hi J.!

My kids were about the same distance apart as yours will be, and I continued to breastfeed my daughter until my 3rd trimester with no problem. She finally weaned at 21 months, and it was very easy because she weaned completely on her own. Once my colostrum came back in for the next baby (it usually comes in & replaces the milk around the 3rd trimester) she noticed the change, and said, YUK! All done nursing!

I'd say just keep doind what you're doing as long as you feel healthy & strong, and are eating well!

Congratulations on Baby #2!

Becca

It may sound mean, but I would recommend weaning your daughter, you don't want her getting jealous of the new baby (for stealing her mama's milk)and possibly taking it out on new baby.

I once knew a mom who bf her son right up until her next delivery because she didn't know how to stop, Her son was very jealous and would hit the baby on the head every time the mom tried to feed, saying 'MINE!'
The mom had to stop breastfeeding BOTH children just to get the older one to stop abusing the baby!

congratulations J.!- i don't believe continuing to nurse will compromise the new baby's (or your daughter's, or your own) health. maybe double up on prenatals? i think around this time, or certainly before the new baby comes, your daughter will probably start weening anyway. i don't it is urgent you stop right away. maybe the new hormones floating around in you will change the taste of your milk and make her want to stop sooner!
god bless you, you must feel like children are completely taking over your body! it's wonderful though, and only temporary, so relish it while you can! -L.

It actually may be easier than you think to wean your daughter. With the pregnancy hormones, your milk supply naturally decreases, and I've heard that the taste of the milk changes too. I've never been through it, but good luck!

Hi J.,

First I must commend you for breastfeeding so long. I nursed my first for 10 months and only made 6 months with my second. I really struggled with my supply. Anyway I read that you are a full time Realtor and I am as well. I am just started and wanted to see if you had any advise time management. I am also a SAHM to a 2 1/2 year old as well as an 8 month old. How long have you been selling?

R.

Hi J. -
Congratulations! My daughter stopped nursing on her own when I became pregnant with my son. I tried to keep pumping but was told by my doctor that the new baby needed all I had and to stop. Since my daughter was 10 months old, I didn't see any reason not to. A friend of mine also had the same experience that her daughter stopped nursing on her own when she became pregnant.

Take care - L.

Hi J.~

I too was in the same situation as you when I found out I was pregnant. Although, my son was 20 months and I did decide it was time to put him on a sippie cup "full time". Every doctor has a different opinion about whether it is OK to breastfeed during pregnancy. The biggest concern is that breastfeeding produces oxytocin, which causes contractions. You have to make a choice about what is best for your daughter and yourself before weening her, I know the bonding I did with my son during those 20 months, were the most precious. You could also contact la lache league, online, or your local chapter, or a breastfeeding consultant at any of your local hospitals, they can give you more advise to help you make an informed and right decision for you.

Also, I just wanted to add something else, someone had mentioned possibly doubling up on prenatal vitamins... please consult your OB before doing that. Vitamins have Iron in them which can be very dangerious if you take too much of it. Besides, if you're already constipated, IRON will make it worse!

Good Luck!

~J.

When I became pregs with my son my daughter was only 2 months old.. lol they are 11 months apart to the day. My doctor said at 4-5 month pregs I should stop as it could induce labor. My daughter stopped shortly after as I just stop lacting?? It was weird but I just just stop one day.. nothing came.. lol
CONGRATS.. good luck.
K.