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Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
It Can Be Done!
By Debbie Friedman
"The tender nipples while nursing were a give-away that I was pregnant," says Traci Coburn.
Becky Sweetser has just found out that she is pregnant. "Well, I suspected I was pregnant when my milk production literally dropped to nothing all of a sudden, and what I did have changed," she says. "The milk was very watery, with a blue tint."
For many women, becoming pregnant while breastfeeding can come as a surprise. Some do not plan the pregnancy, while others assume a pregnancy is unlikely or even impossible while breastfeeding a child. As you hold your nursing child to your breast, you may think a new pregnancy will be difficult for everyone. As you care for one baby, how can you be growing another?
And yet, many women plan a pregnancy to ensure their children are close together. While breastfeeding can interfere with ovulation, it's an unlikely birth control for mothers who are nursing older babies.
Throughout much of the world, especially in less "developed" countries, nursing while pregnant is common. In the United States, it is important to understand that there are more misconceptions about breastfeeding during pregnancy that there are actual facts.
A woman can value her breastfeeding relationship with her child, and still ensure the well being of her new child growing inside. With some basic education and information for both the physician and pregnant woman, breastfeeding during pregnancy is almost always safe.
Comments
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Re: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/12/2008 09:13AM
I had opportunity to talk about this same subject with my doctor, a pediatrician, but she made it clear to me that you can breastfeed your baby while pregnant. The only thing you need to do is to eat very well, knowing that you are eating for 3 persons. With all the information from here, I am convinced beyond any doubt that it is possible to do so.
Re: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy by shelley, United kingdom on 11/27/2008 09:59AM
I am currently 7 weeks pregnant and am still feeeding my 2-year-old. It's only one feed before he goes to sleep, so it doesn't affect me too much. If he was still a young baby, I definitely wouldn't have become pregnant, as he was feeding during day and night, up to only very recently. It is still a joy to feed Finlay, but I know I must stop soon for my own health and that of my unborn baby. But I can look forward too feeding her/him when she/he is born. I say follow your own body. Only it can know when one is ready to stop feeding.
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Re: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy by anonymous on 05/01/2009 08:16AM
I encourage all mothers to continue to breastfeed if they feel its best for them and their children. I am 9 weeks pregnant and am fully breastfeeding my 4.5month old baby who is gaining weight beautifully. I am grateful for the bond that breastfeeding has enabled me to experience with my son that bottle feeding could not do. It is so natural and at times can be hard but in my experience is all worth it. I feel that breastfeeding is safe during pregnancy so long as you eat enough to maintain energy.