Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

What Happens While Breastfeeding During Pregnancy?

When women are pregnant for the second time, and their first child is very small, they start worrying about both the children. But you can breastfeed your first child. It is not harmful to your pregnancy. For detailed information, you should consult your doctor ,who can suggest procedures according to your health.

Benefits of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

Here are the benefits associated with breastfeeding when you are pregnant.

• The nursing baby will continue to get their nutrients and immunity boost from breast milk.
• Breastfeeding can be a relaxing way of spending time and bonding with your toddler, especially when you are feeling fatigued.
• Ensures milk supply after delivery, thanks to those frequent feeds.
• Few mothers feel less nauseous when breastfeeding during pregnancy.

Can I Get Pregnant While Nursing and No Period?

Yes, you can. During your breastfeeding, if your periods do not return for the first six months, that means you are pregnant. So if you have experienced this kind of situation, it’s time to take a pregnancy test.

Does Pregnancy Affect Milk Supply?

Breastfeeding can be the reason for uterine contraction, but it’s not something you need to worry about. If you are healthy, these contractions do not cause any stress. It is not responsible for preterm labor. While breastfeeding, a hormone called oxytocin gets released. It is the cause of mild contractions. These contractions are not harmful to the fetus.

There may be situations where a moms’ milk supply is not adequate for the baby. In this case, you can add other nutritious food to your baby’s diet plan. You may also want to consult with your doctor regarding this.

It is important to note here that after giving birth, it is mandatory that a baby gets its mother’s early milk, which is called colostrum. During this time, speak to your doctor if you can limit breast milk to your older one because you are breastfeeding your newborn.

Can Breast Feeding Cause Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy?

As breast milk is the first priority to the first child, the mothers become confused as to whether breastfeeding is ok for their pregnancy. But according to doctors, it is absolutely safe. Though during your pregnancy, oxytocin hormone is released, it does not cause preterm labor. It neither affects your pregnancy nor is the cause of miscarriage.

Do I Have to Stop Breastfeeding to Get Pregnant?

It is the most common question to women that should they stop breastfeeding while they try to conceive the second baby? The answer is you need not stop. In the case of younger women who want to become a mother for the second time, it is not a big issue. But in the case of older women who are already older than the right age, for them, it may be a bit difficult. In fact, for those who had an infertility history and became pregnant after a long time, it may be a big issue for them.

When Should I Stop Breastfeeding During Pregnancy?

When you are five months pregnant, your breast is ready for colostrum. Your first child may not like its taste due to the bodily changes and so s/he or she may decrease the feed, but this is fine. This will be for a short period of time.

What are the Side-Effects of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy?

While breastfeeding during pregnancy is generally considered safe, some women wean off their babies, considering the risks or side effects of breastfeeding during pregnancy:

1. Sore Nipples

The progesterone and estrogen released during pregnancy make your nipples sore. Thus, you may experience pain and discomfort when you nurse your baby.

2. Increased Morning Sickness

Breastfeeding intensifies morning sickness, thanks to the hormonal changes inside your body.

3. Contractions

Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin , which is responsible for contractions during labor, thus increasing the risk of preterm labor.

4. Changes to the Breast Milk

The changes in colour, consistency and taste of breast milk, due to hormonal changes may lead your toddler to wean off naturally.

How Long is Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Safe?

Breastfeeding will not affect your pregnancy. When you are breastfeeding your first child, the newborn also gets nutrition equally. But it is more important that you consume healthy food and vegetables during your pregnancy.

How Does Breast Milk Dry Up When Pregnant?

For your milk to dry up depends on some factors like your child’s age, the quantity of your breast milk, etc. If you and your baby both want to leave breastfeeding, pregnancy is the ideal time. If you stop giving breast milk to your baby suddenly, it may cause many medical problems. Infection is one of them. So, it is better that you consult your doctor about the weaning process.

FAQ’s

1. Will Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Affect my Health?

Breastfeeding can be very dehydrating. It will not affect your health if you follow a nutritious diet and ensure you are hydrated well enough. Your doctor can also suggest diet modifications.

2. Will my Breasts get Bigger if I Breastfeed While Pregnant?

Pregnancy adds weight to your breast; breastfeeding makes it full with milk. A combination of this might make them look bigger. There is no evidence that it will definitely increase their size.

3. Can I Feed Both Children After Delivery?

The milk requirement for both babies will differ. Even if you breastfeed your first child, they may not be getting the required nutrition. Consult your doctor for better suggestions.

4. What if I am not Ready to Wean my First Child Yet?

If you want your child to benefit from breast milk while you are pregnant, you can pump. Pumped breast milk can be stored for 3 months. You can let your child enjoy the benefits for 3 more months.