Breastfeeding While Pregnant
Is Breastfeeding While Pregnant Okay?
Breastfeeding while pregnant with another child is a concern for many new mothers. The benefits of breastfeeding a baby are well known, but many women are worried that this action will affect either the newborn baby or the unborn fetus. Most experts agree that as long as some specific consideration and care is taken, breastfeeding while pregnant can benefit both babies.
If you are in the process of breastfeeding a newborn infant and have now realized that you are pregnant, there are several considerations you should take note of. As each patient and pregnancy is different, be sure to always consult with your doctor about all aspects of your pregnancy, including breastfeeding while you are pregnant. The first consideration deals with nutrition for both the mother and the infant. Breastfeeding mothers may begin to see a decrease in their levels of Vitamin D, so extra supplements may be required.
The mother should continue to eat a healthy diet in order to fully support the nutritional needs of both infants. This will usually requires the ingestion of at least 600-800 extra calories each day of the proper amounts of protein and calcium. She should also pay close attention to remaining hydrated at all times. The breast milk will remain sound nutritionally during all stages of the pregnancy, and should not impact the feeding baby negatively. As a result of the pregnancy however, the amount of milk being produced may decrease, so supplemental feeding may be required. The mother will want to keep a close eye on the growing baby’s body weight. For most women their body will produce plenty of nutrients for her and both babies. Being pregnancy also releases hormones such as Oxytocin that may alter the taste of the milk as well.
Another concern is uterine contractions that may be caused by breastfeeding. Oxytocin is the chemical that allows the breast to release milk, but the amount needed to do so is a lot less that the amount that causes contractions. These contractions are usually harmless and mild, but they require extra attention and caution. Mothers who may have experienced preterm labors in the past should be especially cautious. Overall the risk of contractions being caused by breastfeeding is relatively low. High risk pregnancies may require some different steps however. If the pregnancy risk is large enough for a doctor to prescribe bed rest, then breastfeeding should be avoided.
Handling a newborn and a growing fetus can be difficult for some women. The side effects of pregnancy can include soreness of the breasts and extreme tenderness of the nipples. Breastfeeding during this time may be very uncomfortable. Once the second child is born, breastfeeding both children may take some extra assistance from family or friends. Sometimes, due the smaller amount of milk available and the change in taste of the milk may cause the feeding baby to wean itself. This can make things easier for the mother. She may also choose to wean the baby before the next birth to make life less stressful. Either of these options is fine.
Coupled with the daily stresses of raising a newborn and being pregnant, the extra stress on the mother’s body may lead to problems with fatigue and exhaustion. Allowing the mother’s body to run down is never a good idea. This may require the use of supplemental formula and a little extra help for mom by family to prevent pregnancy fatigue.
For mast expecting mothers, continuing to breastfeed their newborn can be accomplished with no problems at all. By keeping an eye on the newborn’s feeding habits, continuing to eat enough healthy food, and preventing exhaustion from setting it, you can be sure that breastfeeding while pregnant will not cause any problems.