Pumping breast milk while pregnant is important for women who rely on pumped milk to feed an older baby. While it might take some women several months or longer to regain full fertility and the ability to become pregnant again, some breastfeeding mothers regain fertility quickly. It is possible for a breastfeeding mother to become pregnant again within months of giving birth. If this occurs, you can continue to breastfeed or pump milk for your baby in most situations.
Effect of Pregnancy on Breast Milk
During pregnancy, your breast-milk supply is likely to decrease due to the hormonal changes that occur. If you have already established a good supply whether you exclusively pump or pump in addition to feeding your baby at the breast, this decrease may not have much negative effect on your situation. Maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water and other decaffeinated beverages. Breastfeeding and pumping may cause you to become dehydrated more quickly, which can increase your risk of preterm labor.
Value
Breast milk is the ideal food for babies and is even recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as being the best. Breastfeeding mothers should understand that even if another pregnancy occurs before your baby is old enough or ready to wean, you can continue to provide your breast milk to your baby. If you are used to pumping, keep up the same schedule as before you became pregnant. Pumping your breast milk as you are used to is unlikely to cause a problem. It is unknown as of 2011 whether intense pumping has an adverse affect on the milk supply or the pregnancy, so pumping much more than normal should be avoided.
Pumping for Unborn Baby
Pumping to save milk for your unborn baby when you don't have an older baby to feed isn't recommended. Pumping during pregnancy will not increase your supply or make it easier to breastfeed after the baby is born, the Kellymom website advises. Your breast milk doesn't fully come in until approximately three days after the birth of your baby, so pumping can be a frustrating waste of time when there is no output.
Labor
Pumping can also be used as a form of nipple stimulation in an attempt to jump-start labor once a pregnant woman is full-term. Using a breast pump in this fashion has not been proven effective to start labor, though it may be recommended by midwives and other providers. Typically, the pump is used for 15 minutes, on one breast at a time, until contractions start. If contractions last a minute or longer, or come closer than three minutes apart, the pump should be discontinued. Check with your doctor before using this or any other procedure in an attempt to bring about labor.
Considerations
Some individuals who are at risk of developing preterm labor may need to avoid a breast pump during pregnancy. In these individuals, the pump may cause uterine contractions from the nipple stimulation. Talk to your doctor prior to using a breast pump during pregnancy, particularly if you are at risk of going into preterm labor.
