If you’re reading this post, then I’m assuming you’ve got a bun in the oven, and another on the outside! Congratulations mama, your hands and your heart are full! And if you decide to keep breastfeeding while pregnant, your breasts may be too! In most cases, it is perfectly safe to continue breastfeeding while pregnant. In my experience during baby #6, it’s been a sweet way to stay connected to my 22 month old little guy by giving him the amazing goodness of my breast milk (transitioned back to colostrum currently at 14 weeks pregnant) while also preparing for a new sibling to join our family.
Safety
One of the primary concerns moms have is whether it’s safe to keep breastfeeding while pregnant. In both my research and experience, I’ve found that the answer is yes, especially if you’re caring for your body along the lines of the rest of the guidance in this post. As always though, you do you! This is a decision for you, your child, your family, and your body, and it’s always important to listen to your provider.
While I’m a big supporter of breastfeeding while pregnant, typically it hasn't generally worked out well for my last two pregnancies, drying up and soreness we my top two contributors to weaning early into my pregnancies. I always advise to do what’s the best fit for mom, baby, and pregnancy, as I have learned, each pregnancy can vary on this choice to continue. Like I mentioned before, it’s a great way to stay connected to older babies and toddlers while a new sibling is on the way. But if you have a high-risk pregnancy or your provider advises you to stop, then for sure, follow the guidance of your provider.
Milk Supply
If you suddenly notice a measurable decrease in your breast milk output, it might be time to take a pregnancy test. That’s how I learned that I was pregnant the second time! See here for a visual of how my milk supply changed once I became pregnant.
It can be common for supply to decrease in the fourth or fifth month, but if you’re like me, mine tanked right away with my first singleton / second pregnancy. If you have an older child like a year plus, you can explain to them why mommy has less milk than usual, and their main source of nourishment should be solid foods at this point anyway. If baby is between 6 months to a year old, you’ll already be supplementing with solids but breast milk should still be their main source of nourishment. If baby is less than 6 months and exclusively breastfed, it’s important to monitor how much baby is eating to make sure they are getting enough. In either scenario, if baby is under a year it’s important to make sure you are either still producing enough, tapping into that freezer stash, or considering other forms of supplementation - i.e. donor milk or formula. It could be a combination of all three!
Nutrition
This is when it’s really important to make sure that you’re getting enough calories, and good, nutritious calories at that, in order to grow baby on the inside and to feed baby on the outside. Breastfeeding pregnant mamas need loads of extra (healthy) calories, so be sure to read my post on Feeding Yourself to Feed Your Baby: Nutrition to Support Your Supply, and How to Make It Easy. If your breastfeeding baby is less than 6 months old, you need 650 extra calories a day! Breastfeeding baby eating solids already? Then you only need 500 extra calories each day. This doesn't account for pregnancy though, so at the end of the day it's best to focus on what foods you're actually eating than counting calories.
But that’s not all. In terms of pregnancy caloric intake, once you reach the second trimester, you need 350 extra calories on top of that, and 450 extra calories once you reach the third trimester. Again, more of a reason to focus on eating the variety and quality of your nutrition! Caring for yourself and ensuring adequate nutrition is essential for your health, your baby’s health, and baby-on-the-way’s health. You are essentially eating for three! (Or four or more if you are having multiples!) Most importantly, make sure you’re consuming proper nutrition, quality foods, getting enough protein, and staying hydrated!
Breast Care
If you are pregnant and either pumping or nursing, this can get a little tricky, and a little uncomfortable, in the first trimester. Breasts and nipples can become tender during this time, which can make pumping or nursing one great big ouch session. If you can bear it, keep going as long as it makes sense for you. But know it’s ok to transition your body to focus solely on your pregnancy during this time if things get too complicated. Just like when newly postpartum, nipple creams and pumping sprays may become your best friends again if you are really determined to keep breastfeeding!
If you want to try to maintain your supply while pumping, there are things you can do. Distracting yourself with a book or streaming a 20-minute show or podcast (such as the Tired Moms Club!) during pumping can take your mind off the pain. A warm compress applied before pumping can soothe sore breasts and nipples. Also, bonus, it can help milk flow!
Your Older Child
At some point while you are pregnant, your older child might say something about your milk tasting different, or might have a reaction or make a face. This is normal, and it doesn’t mean that it’s bad for them. Some pregnancy hormones do end up in your milk, but they will not harm you or your breastfeeding child. And around 4-5 months, you begin to produce colostrum, which is actually great for your breastfeeding big sibling-to-be.
Still, your breastfeeding child might decide at this point to wean themselves. If they complain about the change, or about the amount, I think it’s best to explain to them what is happening. It keeps them from thinking that the change is their fault, and it helps keep your bond close.
If you decide to start the weaning process during this time, offer lots of good snacks, slowly decrease breastfeeding volume removal and sessions, and try to spend lots of extra quality time with your little one. Ease from nursing or bottle sessions to cuddly snuggle time on the couch with mom! They can probably already tell that something’s up and things are going to change so take it slow and try to replace the routine with something new but just as loving!
If you keep going and decide to “tandem breastfeed” once you give birth, it is absolutely possible! Your body is like magic, and will accustom itself to feeding both of your children. For the first few days or even weeks, you’ll want to make sure to nurse your new baby first if you will be feeding at breast, to ensure your newborn is getting all they need. In this case, I’d worry less about foremilk and hindmilk and focus on required quantity.
When pumping, I love using the pitcher method. Check out my post here! It mixes your milk throughout the day so all the great benefits are evenly distributed per bottle so you can measure out exactly who gets what amount and not think about anything else.
Lots of close contact with your older child can become important during this time too. They can have strong feelings when a new baby comes into the house and gets to share mother’s milk, whether they’re getting it from breast or bottle. Letting them know you are still there for them and that you love them is as nutritious as the milk you’ve been giving them.
Take Care of Yourself
With a new little one on the way and a baby, toddler, or older child/children in the home, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed some days. The demands on your body, and your time, can be a lot. On days when you’re thinking of giving up, double down on self-care, try to get a good night’s sleep, and reevaluate in the morning. You might still decide that it’s time to stop breastfeeding the older child, but at least you won’t make the decision during a bout of frustration. Remember that now is the time to ask for help – you don’t have to wait until baby is born. This could also be a great time to add a certified lactation consultant to your support team. You don’t have to do this on your own! I offer virtual <pumping> consultations - learn more about it here!
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding your babies is a special time in both your lives, no matter what your process and routine looks like. It provides nourishment and comfort, laying the foundation for strong health and mother + baby bonds. If you’re pregnant and breastfeeding and plan to keep going, my advice would be to give it a try! If it’s not working for you, you can reevaluate. When it comes to breastfeeding, my motto is take it in stride and stay flexible. You’ll find what’s right for you and that may look different with each baby, too! It’s certainly been a journey for me!
