Generations ago, women commonly continued to nurse an older baby or toddler while pregnant with another child. This practice has a long safety record and rarely causes preterm labor; however, pregnancy does alter the quality and quantity of your milk and some mothers need to make adjustments. Talk with your doctor, especially if you have a history of preterm labor or are carrying more than one baby.
Cautions
Breastfeeding releases a hormone into the bloodstream that can cause uterine contractions, according to Dr. Sears at AskDr.Sears.com. For most women, this hormone is not sufficient to cause premature labor or miscarriage, but talk with your doctor or midwife if you have a history of miscarriage or preterm labor.
Milk Supply
Your body produces less milk when you become pregnant as energy is diverted into supporting your newly developing baby. This process does not contribute to preterm labor but might influence your decision to continue nursing. Older babies or toddlers who are eating solid food might not notice the change, but a young baby might not get the nutrition he needs, according to certified lactation consultant Diana West. Nursing more frequently eventually increases the milk supply, but nipple tenderness during early pregnancy might make frequent nursing difficult. Talk with your doctor about supplementing your baby's diet with formula or solid food if you are worried.
Choosing to Wean
While most women can safely nurse an older baby throughout a new pregnancy, you might choose to wean your older baby for several reasons. Nursing while pregnant places added demands on the body, causing a pregnant woman to feel more fatigued. Pregnancy also causes changes in the quality and taste of breast milk, spurring some babies to lose interest in nursing. If you decide to wean your baby, do so slowly, preferably two to three months before the new baby arrives.
Tandem Nursing
Other women choose to nurse throughout the pregnancy and continue nursing both children once the new baby arrives. Most women can safely tandem nurse both babies, although you'll need to consume extra fluids and calories to make enough milk. Women who tandem nurse often have fewer problems with engorgement or sore nipples because their breasts already are accustomed to nursing.
References
- "Making More Milk"; Diana West; 2009
- "The Better Way to Breastfeed"; Robin Elise Weiss; 2010
- AskDr.Sears.com: Breastfeeding While Pregnant
