If you have just discovered you are pregnant while still nursing your older child, you likely have a million questions. One of the most common pieces of advice from the traditional medical model is to wean the baby immediately. However, at the Santa Clarita Birth Center, we see mothers and birthing people successfully breastfeeding through pregnancy all the time.
The short answer is: Yes, it is generally safe to breastfeed while pregnant. But there are some physical and emotional shifts you should prepare for as your body navigates this dual role.
The Truth About Fertility: Breastfeeding is Not Birth Control
One of the most important things to understand is that breastfeeding is not a reliable form of birth control. While it is a common belief that you cannot get pregnant while nursing, the reality is more complex.
- The Statistics: Approximately 80% of women will not cycle for the first six months postpartum while breastfeeding, but 20% will have a fertile ovulation within that same timeframe.
- The “First” Ovulation: You will have a fertile ovulation before you ever get your first postpartum period. This means you can conceive again before you even realize your cycle has returned.
- Child Spacing: Because of this, it is important to have a plan for child spacing at your six week postpartum checkup if you are choosing whether or not to have more babies right away.
Addressing Safety Concerns
The biggest fear many parents have is that breastfeeding will cause uterine stimulation or contractions that lead to miscarriage or preterm labor. For the vast majority of healthy pregnancies, this is not a risk. Your body is already accustomed to the stimulation of nursing, and we do not see an increased risk of preterm births or miscarriages in these cases.
The Exception
There is one caveat: if you have a history of multiple miscarriages (three or more), we suggest having a deeper conversation with your healthcare provider. In those cases, we want to ensure the environment is as stable as possible for the new baby. Otherwise, if you spontaneously conceive while breastfeeding, your body is likely ready to handle both.
What to Expect with Your Milk Supply
Even if you want to keep breastfeeding, your body has a primary goal: taking care of the fetus growing inside you. Because of this, you will likely notice your milk supply starts to go down during the first or second trimester.
- Hormonal Shifts: The hormones of pregnancy and the growth of the placenta naturally decrease milk production.
- Baby’s Reaction: Your child might get fussy or cranky at the breast because the volume is lower, and some babies will naturally wean at this point.
- Supply Boosters: It is important to know that herbs or supplements typically won’t do much to increase your supply during this time because the pregnant body is prioritizing the growing fetus.
Caring for the Birthing Person
Breastfeeding while pregnant is physically demanding. You are essentially providing for three people: yourself, the child at your breast, and the baby in your womb.
- Hydration is Critical: You need to stay well hydrated to keep up with the demands of both pregnancy and lactation.
- Caloric Intake: You will need extra calories and should aim to eat more frequently to prevent blood sugar drops, which can contribute to increased morning sickness.
- Nursing Aversion: It is very common for pregnant mothers to experience a sudden “skin crawling” sensation or a strong emotional aversion to nursing. This is a normal hormonal response and does not mean you are a bad mother.
Moving Toward Tandem Nursing
If you choose to continue breastfeeding after the new baby arrives, this is called tandem nursing. It can be a beautiful way for siblings to bond, but it requires patience and a few ground rules.
The Golden Rule of Tandem Nursing: The new baby always gets to feed first. We want to ensure the newborn gets their belly full and the nutrition they need to grow properly before the older child nurses.
Whether you choose to wean or continue on to tandem nursing, remember that your body is incredibly smart. Listen to your intuition, stay hydrated, and reach out to your midwife team if you need support managing the transition.
Santa Clarita Birth Center
(661) 254-3000