Can I Breastfeed During Pregnancy?

Yes. Simple as that answer appears, nursing during pregnancy presents issues to consider for a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Fears of miscarriage There is no evidence that nursing during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage. When a newborn begins breastfeeding, the suckling stimulates release of the hormone oxytocin into the mother's bloodstream. This hormone stimulates contractions in the breast (starting milkflow) and the uterus (expelling the afterbirth, while protecting mother against hemorrhage).

Experts maintain that oxytocin has much less effect on the uterus during pregnancy. Unless your pregnancy is term or the cervix is ripe, the released oxytocin stimulation is not sufficient to bring on labor.

Nutritional Needs A diet higher in calories and protein-rich foods is necessary because of extra energy needed to support pregnancy and breastfeeding. Choosing unprocessed foods to meet the caloric requirement is recommended.

Milk Supply After the first few months of pregnancy, the mother's milk supply may naturally reduce. The nursing infant may also experience a change in the taste of milk during mother's pregnancy and weaning may occur at this time.

Towards term, the milk will change to colostrum - that first milk vital for newborns. Following delivery, if the toddler remains breastfed, it is important the newborn is fed first to receive his/her fill of the nutritious colostrum. With proper rest and nutrition, the mother should not have a problem with supplying milk for both her nursing infant and toddler.

Breast Changes During pregnancy, the breasts become highly sensitive and breastfeeding may contribute to nipple pain. While non-pregnant nursing mothers have several alternatives when presented with nipple pain, a pregnant nursing mother's pain is usually due to internal hormonal changes, and her options for relief are limited.

Breastfeeding during pregnancy should be discussed with your physician.

Date last updated:  January 27, 2003