Pregnant and Nursing

You could very well be pregnant, particularly if your daughter is only nursing at night and you aren't doing anything to prevent a pregnancy. You can also get sore nipples around period time if you aren't pregnant.

L.,
I was nursing when I became preganant for a second time. My daughter was 14 months and we were going through a little battle with thrush at the time as well. The only difference that I noticed was not so much with my body but that for about a week my daughter didn't seem to like to nurse - she wanted to but didn't seem to like it. She got over it and I didn't think anymore of it. After I found out I was pregnant I learned that breast milk changes flavor when you're pregnant and that was what my daughter was reacting to. Hope that helps.

-S.

Hi L.,

I'm going through the same thing right now. I am confirmed pregnant and still nursing my 21 month old. My breasts didn't increase in size this time around but they have been extremely painful while nursing. Still are at 11 weeks of pregnancy. Apparently, this will lessen as the pregnancy progresses.

You do NOT need to stop nursing if a pregnancy is confirmed, unless you have a history of miscarriage or some other medical reason, in which case your OB or midwife will advise you to stop.

Best,
D.

Hi L.,
I loved nursing. I nursed my daughter until I got pregnant with my son. I too had discomfort and within the first trimester my milk dried up. Nursing causes contractions as you no doubt experienced when she was first born. Unfortunately these contractions can cause complications with your new pregnancy so mother nature causes the milk to stop when you become pregnant again.
Good luck with your growing family,
D. C
49yo mom of 4: g17, b15, b12, b9

Dont really understand your question....why are you concerned about thrush?
OK...wait until you can determine if you are pregnant or not...and if you are you will need to stop nursing the little girl ( by the way...good for you still nursing her!!!!! Seems to me Mums are stopping nursing waaaay too early these days)
You will need to stop nursing because she will draw nutrients from your body that the new baby needs to form and grow.
Yes, I went thru this two or three times having seven children and nursing all of them til sometime during second year of age.
Could talk with your OB yes?
Best wishes and God bless
Grandmother Lowell

Hi L.,

I got pregnant while nursing my daughter when she was eight months old. I just "felt" pregnant. Sore nipples are definitely a good sign of pregnancy, but they can also signify menstration.

If you are only nursing at night, I am assuming you have resumed getting periods? If so, have you missed one yet?
If you have, see your doctor to get a blood test and put your mind at ease. The home kit methods are too unreliable. But, I am a little confused...are you saying you don't have any other symptoms of pregnancy?

Hi L., when my son was 1 year old and nursing 2-3 times per day, my nipples got very sore. I couldn't figure out why and was trying to rule things out. I never considered another pregnancy (since we had fertility issues with our first) until my friend who is a doula/lactation consultant suggested it. By that time, I must have already been about 7 or 8 weeks or so and the only symptom I had up until that point was sore nipples. I did end up losing the pregnancy, but, from what I read afterward, I don't think that my still nursing contributed to it. I stopped nursing before I became pregnant with my second son, so I cannot speak to how it is nursing through a whole pregnancy, but I'm sure it depends on the woman - I'm sure if you feel like it's working for you and you are determined to make it work, you can make it work. Good luck!

Hi L.,
I agree with Deb. You do NOT need to stop nursing throughout this pregnancy. I did it with my 3 kids and they are very healthy children. My daughter was 8 pounds 12 ounces so you can't say she wasn't getting enough nutrients! :)
Good for you for nursing your daughter this long. Keep going as long as you both enjoy it. My kids all nursed way past the 2 year mark. It's a very special time.

B.