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Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
It Can Be Done!
By Debbie Friedman
Shanon Mitchell was breastfeeding her 1-year-old when she went to speak with her pediatrician. "She was thrilled that not only was I continuing to nurse my daughter, but that I was going to be nursing while pregnant." Mitchell says. Her doctor asked some health questions and even went on to ask for any resources she might have on breastfeeding during pregnancy.
According to the La Leche League (www.llli.org), a well nourished mother should have no difficulty providing for both the unborn baby and the nursing child if more than 1 year old. If a child is younger, the mother will need to watch the child's weight gain and provide additional solid food if needed.
Christina Sonas says that her midwife was completely supportive of her continued breastfeeding of her 2 1/2-year-old after she became pregnant and in fact, had lots of good information to share. "The hardest part of breastfeeding while pregnant is remembering that you're actually eating for three – and more importantly, drinking water for three!" Sonas says. "I kept a full 32-ounce water bottle with me at all times. I was drinking 12 to 14 cups of water every day. All that water sure kept my milk supply up. My daughter never complained of less milk."
Comments
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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.
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.
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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!