Breastfeeding during pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you may be wondering about breastfeeding. Will it be safe to breastfeed while pregnant? Are there special considerations when nursing two children? The answer is a limited yes to both questions, depending on your medical history, your older baby’s responses, your own feelings, and your milk supply.

Will it be safe to breastfeed while pregnant?

Breastfeeding is great for the baby, but is it safe while pregnant? Previously we’ve written about the health benefits of breastfeeding but without proper information you might think it’s unwise to start breastfeeding while pregnant. That’s why we are here to tell you what you should know before doing so.

New mums who have previously miscarried or who have a history of preterm labour should keep in touch with their obstetrician and report any uterine contractions, as nipple stimulation due to breastfeeding can increase their risk of preterm labour. Why does this happen? The foetal membranes can be irritated by the release of certain hormones when a woman breastfeeds.The hormones include oxytocin and prolactin, which are released during breastfeeding. These hormones can cause contractions in the walls of the uterus and lead to preterm labour.

After the first few months of pregnancy, your milk supply will likely decrease. For many breastfeeding mothers, the taste of breast milk may change as well. If you experience any nipple sensitivity or discomfort while breastfeeding your older baby, it is suggested that you wean on your own. Although most women can continue to breastfeed while pregnant, it is important to eat healthy during this time and to rest as often as possible.

Simultaneous breastfeeding of both your older child and your baby

When your baby arrives, you might find yourself breastfeeding two children at the same time. It is possible to be a mother of two, but also a breastfeeder, and there are many benefits of doing so.

Simultaneous breastfeeding of both your older child and your baby can in some cases make it easier for your older child to adjust to the new baby, facilitate your own desire to stay close to your older child, and even make caring for your children easier in some cases as both children are fed and comforted with breastfeeding. Although, again, simultaneous breastfeeding takes more energy than is necessary to breastfeed a single child.

Breastfeeding your newborn is the most important thing at this time. Your baby needs colostrum and the immunoprotective benefits more urgently than your older child. Make sure your baby receives adequate milk and that you feed him before you feed your older child.

Allow him to put his nursing needs above your older child’s. A one-year-old or toddler can overcome a decrease in breast milk with nutritious solid foods. When caring for a newborn or young baby and older children, be sure to wash your hands often to prevent germs from spreading from one child to another.

The information on this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice and care of your paediatrician. There can be many variations in the treatment that your paediatrician might recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.