Is It Safe To Continue Breastfeeding When I’m Pregnant?
Both pregnancy and breastfeeding require ample attention and care. Juggling breastfeeding and pregnancy can be a problem if the elder infant is less than 6 months old as till this stage it depends completely on mother’s milk. But mostly, the mother gets pregnant when the elder child has partially weaned or is almost aged one year. Thus in such cases, the mother can easily combine breastfeeding with solid food thereby relieving the pressure off her back.
Facts Regarding Breastfeeding During Pregnancy:
There are certain concerns which are common among mothers regarding breastfeeding while pregnant. They are:
Breastfeeding while pregnant may lead to miscarriage.
Breastfeeding deprives the younger child of nutrients.
Milk supply decreases for the infant.
The mother may suffer from fatigue or nausea.
Nipple stimulation by way of breastfeeding may lead to pre-term birth .
Firstly, there are no studies depicting a possible link between breastfeeding and miscarriage. Breastfeeding indeed increases the levels of oxytocin in the mother’s body which leads to contractions. But the uterus doesn’t normally respond to such contractions until the 38th week of pregnancy. Hence, this is simply a myth.
Secondly, breastfeeding in no way deprives the fetus of its share of nutrients. In fact, the fetus will keep on taking nutrition from the mother’s body. It is usually the mother who might suffer from malnutrition due to the pressure of both pregnancy and nursing. Hence, the mother will need to take in nutrient supplements.
Thirdly, it is a fact that when the pregnancy hormones take charge, the milk producing hormones take a back seat. Hence, the quantity of milk will decrease towards the second trimester. Moreover, the quality of the milk will also change due to secretion of colostrums. During this time the infant may need to switch to milk supplements and other solids in order to provide nutrition. Hence, it is always better if the infant is nearing its weaning stage as then the transition to solids will be easier.
Fourthly, as said earlier, juggling pregnancy and breastfeeding will be the hardest for the mother. Especially during the early weeks of pregnancy, morning sickness, nausea will be very common. Breastfeeding will also lead to a leaching of calcium from her body. Moreover the developing fetus will also be feeding from the nutrients in her body. As a result, feelings of fatigue are common. The mother will need to go for an extra nutritious diet as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.
Lastly, the risks of preterm birth due to breastfeeding are not that common. It is true that breastfeeding leads to uterine contractions. But these mostly stop as soon as the mother ceases breastfeeding and many such mothers have given birth to healthy term babies. Thus, it cannot be conclusively said that it leads to preterm labor.
Points To Remember:
Pregnancy makes the nipples tender which might make breastfeeding difficult. So, alternative milk supplements should be given during this time.
The mother will need to consume lot of fluids and calcium supplements in order to maintain her health for the developing fetus. Any kind of dehydration will be dangerous for the fetus.
Though uterine cramping are normal, if they get too uncomfortable it’s better to consult a doctor.Thus, breastfeeding during pregnancy is completely safe provided the mother keeps herself well hydrated and takes a healthy diet and calcium supplements.
