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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
Found 7 comments
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Re: breast feeding during pregnancy by Susan, USA on 07/23/2010 10:31AM
At 32 weeks pregnant I often feel peer pressure to stop nursing my 14 mo. old son. Yet something in my heart prevents me from weaning him. Often I think about women outside of the US who surely nurse while pregnant. Occasionally my breasts do feel very sensitive. Sometimes one side more than the other. So I try to switch sides and take a deep breath and relax. After a few mins. the sensitivity fades. I do feel anxiety sometimes at the thought of tadem nursing but I just trust God that He never gives me more than I can handle. All babies are different and some require nursing longer than others. I don't know if its mental or physical for them ,but both are very important for a healthy, well- rounded child. I am currently pregnant with my third. My first weaned herself at only 9 months. often I hear people say its hard for the "mom" to let go and stop nursing. I don't feel that way. I honestly believe he is still nursing because he personally needs it. As long as your OBGYN says it is ok medically for you to continue breastfeeding, than by all means possible, do it! Don't fall prey to other peoples opinions to what is best for YOUR child!
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy by Rose, Malaysia on 03/08/2010 01:50AM
Follow your heart. I'm 30 weeks pregnant and I breastfeed my 2 yr old girl only after my office hours. She is not ready at all to stop breastfeeding. The breastfeeding time is so precious that my love to her growing stronger each day. Just make sure you eat enough food, and supplement.
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy by Preggo on 08/21/2009 02:35AM
Saw this on a Twitter post. Something I was concerned about. Thanks for the info. Great site! Will be back.
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.
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Re: by anonymous on 08/23/2010 03:30PM
thank you everyone - my son is 3 month and i'm off to try for another!!!