You just had a baby some months ago, and uh-oh! You’re pregnant again. Now, you are worried about breastfeeding during pregnancy.
We understand you have mixed emotions right now because of the common notion that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy – it’s a natural contraceptive. So, how did it happen?
Breastfeeding is nature’s way of preventing another pregnancy, but in some cases, it can happen.
This blog is a comprehensive guide to getting all the answers on breastfeeding during pregnancy. So, let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Understanding Breastfeeding During Pregnancy!
First of all, let’s understand how pregnancy happens during breastfeeding. For that, we have to know the physiology and mechanism of ovulation.
Women generally don’t ovulate for six weeks after giving birth. On top of that, if you breastfeed, ovulation delays. It is a natural form of birth control called the lactation amenorrhea method of birth control.
However, pregnancy depends on how much you are breastfeeding your baby. Is it only the breast milk, or do you add formula milk? If you give your baby another milk source together with breast milk, you can get pregnant because of the infrequent breastfeeding.
Now, what to do? Should you stop feeding your baby? And if you continue, will it affect your unborn baby? What about the health of three persons (you, your baby, your unborn baby) involved in this cycle?
Let’s try to answer all these questions.
Does Breast Milk Change During Pregnancy?
Breast milk does undergo fascinating changes during pregnancy.
As you progress through pregnancy, your body prepares itself for the arrival of the new one. These changes change extend to the composition of breast milk as well.
Initially, during early pregnancy, the breasts produce colostrum, a thick and concentrated fluid rich in immune-boosting properties. It has more protein, less carbohydrates, and less fats. Colostrum serves as the first nourishment for the newborn, providing vital antibodies and nutrients.
As the pregnancy progresses and the due date approaches, the composition of breast milk gradually transitions to mature milk, which is thinner and more abundant.
The mature milk meets your newborn’s nutritional needs, as it contains an optimal balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
This evolution in breast milk composition ensures that the growing baby receives the essential nutrients required for their development, fostering their health and well-being from day one.
So, yes! If you are breastfeeding your baby while pregnant, your breast milk is still full of nutrients and a hub of power for your baby’s health.
Does Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Cause Miscarriage or Preterm Labor?
Most women are typically deemed safe to breastfeed while expecting. However, there are a few things to think about when it comes to how it can affect pregnancy.
Miscarriage: The direct link between breastfeeding during pregnancy and miscarriage has little research on the subject. Breastfeeding, in and of itself, is unlikely to cause a miscarriage. Miscarriages frequently result from underlying medical issues, hormone imbalances, or genetic abnormalities.
Preterm labor: Dr. Rabia Nosheen, a prominent Gynecologist with 12 years of experience in the field, says breastfeeding during pregnancy may stimulate contractions due to the release of oxytocin, a hormone involved in milk letdown and uterine contractions. In some cases, this could increase the risk of preterm labor.
However, the likelihood of this happening is generally low, especially if you have a healthy pregnancy and no specific risk factors for preterm labor.
Suggested Read: Some Common Breastfeeding Questions and Their Answers!
What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy?
Do you know you possess a unique power that can nourish and nurture not one but two tiny miracles simultaneously?
That’s right!
Breastfeeding during pregnancy is like unlocking a superpower that comes with a host of incredible benefits for both you and your little ones.
Let’s see how continuing breastfeeding during pregnancy benefits you and your babies:
Nutritional Bonanza for Baby
When you breastfeed during pregnancy, your unborn child gets a nutritional goldmine.
Your breast milk remains packed with essential nutrients and antibodies, ensuring that your firstborn receives an extra nutrition boost.
It’s like giving them a head start on their journey, with a healthy immune system and growth.
Emotional Connection
Breastfeeding isn’t just about nourishment; it’s a powerful bonding experience for you and your nursing child.
With breastfeeding during pregnancy, you foster an unbreakable emotional connection with your firstborn.
This emotional support becomes even more crucial during welcoming a new sibling. Moreover, it helps your little one feel secure and cherished.
Simplified Transition
The best advantage of breastfeeding during pregnancy is the simplified transition once your new baby arrives.
Since your older child is already familiar with breastfeeding, they seamlessly adjust to learning sharing with their sibling. It can be an incredible bonding experience for both babies as they adjust to siblinghood.
Suggested Read: Benefits of Breastfeeding that Are Amazing for Your Baby!
What are the Risks and Challenges of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy?
Let’s explore the risks and challenges associated with breastfeeding during pregnancy:
Increased Demands on the Mother’s Body
Breastfeeding during pregnancy means your body has to work harder to meet the needs of both your growing baby and your nursing child.
This increased demand can exhaust you as your body dedicates its resources to nourishing two children.
To manage this extra workload, keep in mind to pay attention to your body and take breaks when necessary.
Nutrient Levels and Overall Health
Breastfeeding requires additional nutrients to ensure you and your babies get proper nourishment.
In pregnancy, the demand for essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and protein increases. Breastfeeding while pregnant can further deplete these vital nutrients from your body, potentially affecting your overall health.
You should stay in touch with your gynecologist to monitor your nutrient levels and consider appropriate supplements to maintain your well-being.
Suggested Read: A List of Foods to Avoid During Breastfeeding!
Emotional and Mental Well-being
Breastfeeding during pregnancy can be emotionally challenging.
Balancing the needs of your firstborn with the physical demands of pregnancy can be overwhelming at times. The hormonal changes during this period may also impact your emotional well-being.
Prioritizing self-care and seeking emotional support can help you a lot.
Time and Energy Management
Managing time and energy becomes crucial when breastfeeding while pregnant. The demands of breastfeeding and pregnancy discomforts can leave you with low energy and less time for other activities.
You should delegate tasks and seek support from your partner, family, or friends to help ease your responsibilities.
Remember, asking for help is okay, and taking care of yourself is essential.
Weaning and Transition
At some point, you may need to transition your older child to a new feeding routine. It becomes necessary to accommodate the arrival of your new baby.
Weaning can be emotionally challenging for you and your child as it marks the end of the breastfeeding chapter.
Be patient, offer alternative forms of comfort to your little one. Bonding can help you both with the transition.
Healthwire is Here to Help!
Breastfeeding while pregnant has challenges, but with knowledge and support, you can go through this phase successfully. You can manage these challenges and make the best decisions for yourself and your little ones.
However, seek support from the best female doctor to make the transition of having two babies seamless.
