Breastfeeding during pregnancy
Breastfeeding and becoming pregnant are not mutually exclusive. However, there are many mothers who, even after two years of breastfeeding, have not had their menstrual cycle return, and therefore another baby doesn’t come easily. On the other hand, there are women who start menstruating immediately after the six-week postpartum period, and if they don’t want to conceive another baby very soon, they need to be careful. But if a woman does become pregnant while breastfeeding, many questions and uncertainties may arise about what will happen next. Are there any myths about breastfeeding during pregnancy? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding while pregnant?
Myths about breastfeeding during pregnancy
In the past, there was not enough information about breastfeeding in general, let alone breastfeeding during another pregnancy. Fortunately, the situation is now different, and we have many studies showing that it is not necessary to stop breastfeeding by the 6th month of pregnancy, that breastfeeding does not cause miscarriage nor increase its risk, and that the baby in the womb does not miss out on nutrition due to breastfeeding the older child.
Breastfeeding during pregnancy certainly has its pros and cons, but there is no need to wean the older child just because of a new pregnancy. Many women end up breastfeeding both children after giving birth, or the older child may wean naturally without tears.
Advantages of breastfeeding during pregnancy
- If the child falls asleep while breastfeeding (during the day or at night), it is much more comfortable for the mother to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy;
- Breastfeeding helps the child feel secure, fulfills their need for contact, and soothes them;
- Breastfeeding can help with teething;
- Through breastfeeding, the child may more easily accept a sibling than if they were weaned because of the pregnancy and then saw the newborn being breastfed;
- From about the middle of pregnancy, colostrum (early milk) begins to form, which is excellent for immune support, so you may notice that the older child is less prone to illness;
- If you continue breastfeeding your older child after birth at a different time than the younger child (i.e., not tandem feeding), you can prevent jealousy from the older sibling, as they will have your full attention for a while and won’t have to “compete” with the younger one for the better breast.
Disadvantages of breastfeeding during pregnancy
- Around the 3rd month of pregnancy, lactation decreases, and for a while milk may even dry up so that the unborn baby receives the most nutrients. The older child may wean prematurely during this period (and can resume breastfeeding after birth), or continue to nurse “dryly.” From the 16th–20th week, milk production begins to rise again;
- Aversion to breastfeeding – painful and sensitive nipples, anger or frustration toward the child (often related to pregnancy fatigue or lack of sleep; hormones are mainly responsible);
- If the older child continues to breastfeed throughout pregnancy, after the sibling is born, they may want to breastfeed even more, since they will see it more often and there will be more milk available.
Nothing should be forced, especially during pregnancy, when hormones fluctuate constantly. If you feel you cannot manage breastfeeding your older child during pregnancy, explain this to them and together decide on weaning before you reach physical or emotional exhaustion. Alternatively, you can limit breastfeeding to times that you can handle. If you choose to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy, it may sometimes be challenging, but ultimately the benefits will outweigh the disadvantages.
