10 Facts About Breastfeeding While Pregnant

If you’re a breastfeeding mama and you get pregnant, you’re probably wondering what you should do. 

You may wonder if you can handle growing a baby, nursing a baby, and taking care of your pregnant self all at the same time! 

Let’s explore what your options are and what to expect along the way.

Can you breastfeed while pregnant?

Yes, depending on your situation. 

It’s generally considered safe if the pregnancy is progressing normally, you have no complications, and you’re healthy.  

If that’s the case then it’s you and your baby’s decision if you’d like to continue to breastfeed.

However, there are some circumstances where it may be advised to wean…

• You experience uterine pain or bleeding

• You have pregnancy-related health issues

• You have a high-risk pregnancy 

• You have a history of preterm birth

• You’re carrying twins, triplets, or more

• You notice strong contracts when you breastfeed

• You’ve been advised to avoid sex while pregnant

• You experience weight loss during the pregnancy

Before you make the decision to breastfeed while pregnant, get the okay from your healthcare provider.  It’s a good idea to keep an open dialogue to make sure all three involved (you, your child, and the baby in your belly) are staying healthy. 

And if you’re uncomfortable with any recommendation, you can get a second opinion from a breastfeeding-friendly healthcare provider.

What To Expect Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Expect a reaction from your loved ones. 

Many women feel pressure to wean from friends and family.  It’s important to separate how you feel and what you’d like to do from what others think, feel and believe.  

Expect some bodily changes.

The changes that happen in your body during pregnancy can affect  breastfeeding in a few ways: 

• You may experience some increased breast tenderness or nipple soreness which may make breastfeeding feel different.

If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.

• Your milk may start to change by mid-pregnancy (usually by about the 4th or 5th month in). Your breast milk may change to a lower-volume, different-tasting type of milk with colostrum in it. Some children self-wean in response to the changes in milk, while others don’t seem to care, and others end up breastfeeding more often.

PRO-TIP: If baby is under a year breast milk still needs to make up a majority of their nutrition and so you’ll need to keep track of baby’s weight gain and monitor their breast milk intake closely, just in case a lower milk supply becomes an issue.  Keep an open dialogue with their pediatrician.  

Your toddler can have more foods and drinks added to their diet to compensate.

Take good care of yourself + listen to your body

You’re growing a baby and feeding a baby so you should be taking good care of yourself. The best way to ensure that you stay healthy is to get rest, stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense food each day.

Your body knows what it needs and will alert you that you’ll need to eat and drink a little bit more.  All that’s needed is to listen to your body, eat when you’re hungry, drink when you’re thirsty and don’t deprive yourself.

 Benefits of Breastfeeding while Pregnant

• Breast milk provides important nutritional and immunity boosts for as long as a child breastfeeds.

• Sitting or lying down to breastfeed throughout the day can help you get the extra rest you crave during pregnancy.

• Tandem nursing may help your toddler adjust to a new baby and help them bond better with the newborn.

How to wean from breastfeeding while pregnant

• Wean gradually.

• Don’t offer the breast and don’t refuse the breast works well for a lot of mothers

• Offer a distraction if they want to breastfeed (you can offer a snack instead)

• Avoid sitting in a spot where you normally breastfeed

• Give extra attention and hugs

Weaning from breastfeeding after you get pregnant may not be your decision at all.  Many children end up weaning themselves during pregnancy due to the changes in your milk.

And some children wean, and then even resume breastfeeding after the baby is born!

It’s impossible to say how you’ll feel in your pregnancy a month from now, or even a week from now, so it’s important to keep an open mind, stay flexible, and avoid any assumptions on how breastfeeding will go during pregnancy.   

Go with the flow and take it day-by-day!

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🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.