Many women wonder whether they can continue to breastfeed their first baby when they become pregnant with their next. According to La Leche League International (the international breastfeeding experts) the answer is yes in most cases although certain considerations should be followed when deciding to do so to ensure proper health on everyone’s end.
Fluids
To ensure that continued breastfeeding doesn’t put either mom or fetus at risk, a mother must be diligent about consuming enough fluids to produce both her breast milk and additionally to support the rapid increase in blood that is produced during pregnancy. Because blood volume pretty well doubles during pregnancy, extra fluids are necessary to support this shift. If a mother is not consuming enough liquids then both her breast milk and her internal fluids can be affected.
Nutrients
Pregnancy and breastfeeding both require extra nutrients due to the growth promoting aspect of each one. In order to sustain healthy growth for both the baby and the fetus, it is imperative that the mother consumes adequate nutrients. Because she is essentially eating for three, supplementation should be considered.
Key supplements to consume are omega 3s, a whole foods multi-vitamin and mineral, calcium + magnesium + vitamin D, probiotics, iron and B-vitamins including folic acid.
Extra Food
To help usher in the nutrients and calories that are needed by both the baby and the fetus, the mother should be eating extra food. So in addition to her extra intake from breastfeeding, a mom should consume about 300-400 extra calories a day. These calories are essential to allow for the incredible growth taking place in both babies.
If a mother doesn’t compensate with the extra calories and nutrients that are needed, she herself will suffer as her body will function as a bank and continuous withdrawls will be made from it. Eventually her own health will suffer as a result.
Mothers need to be vigilant about protecting their own health since their children are entirely dependent upon them for their wellbeing.
When It May Be a Problem
The only time breastfeeding while pregnant may be an issue is when a woman has a history of preterm labor(s). Because breastfeeding stimulates the nipples, this can cause mild uterine contractions to occur in the body. For women who have had prior experience of preterm labor, this may be dangerous as the mild uterine contractions that can occur can initiate labor before a woman is full term.
Consistency Changes
La Leche also advises that breast milk production may decrease between the 4th and 5th months of pregnancy. Breastfeeding children may respond to this decrease in milk by fussing, or even by weaning themselves. It is a good idea to monitor their weight regularly to ensure they are gaining appropriately.
The taste of breast milk may also change during this time due to the increase in pregnancy hormones. The breastfed child may also react to this tasted change.
