Breastfeeding while pregnant?

Can you breastfeed while pregnant? I was seeing some posts that said "I breastfeed for so many months then stopped because I got pregnant" Is there a reason for this? Bad for the baby, bad for the mom, makes the supply go away?

Re: Breastfeeding while pregnant?

I am not 100 percent sure on this but I always thought the reason was becasue your uterus contracts while breastfeeding which can cause early labor. Thats what I was told. Best wishes!

Re: Breastfeeding while pregnant?

My supply dried up as soon as I got pregnant. That is why I stopped.

I've never heard you couldnt bf while pregnant.

Re: Breastfeeding while pregnant?

Yes, most people can continue breastfeeding while pregnant. Many times though the milk consistency or flavor changes and becomes undesirable to the nursling toddler. Other times the supply will wane or even vanish for a while, but is likely to return. Many toddlers will continue 'dry nursing', and yet others give up all together. Sometimes a mother's nipples become so sore that the pain is unbearable. Mom may initiate weaning or encourage shorter sessions that ultimately lead to weaning. There is no standard as the process is completely individual. As far as contractions, they are similar to the contractions that an orgazm would cause. So moms on pelvic rest would need to stop. Other than that, there is absolutely no medical reason that BFing during pregnancy is unhealthy. In rare cases, after the 5th or 6th month, contractions can be stronger, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they cause preterm labor. In many, if not most cultures, there is a taboo on continued breastfeeding while pregnant. However, these taboos are born from wivestales and not accurate, medical information. As a BFing Mom who is currently entering my second trimester, and a La Leche League leader in training, I have done extensive reading and discussing with professionals on this topic. Feel free to FM me for more specific details if you'd like. I will say that I am incredibly grateful that I nursed throughout my first trimester. Sometimes it was the only time DS and I rested during the day. Amidst the nausea and vomiting it was a way for me to connect with him and show him some love and affection.

Re: Breastfeeding while pregnant?

I'm under the impression that you can, but that alot of people's supply takes a dip. I thought that I read that you have to be really careful about your nutrition too, because the unborn baby takes everything it needs, then the bf-ing child does, and you get what's leftover.