It is quite difficult caring for a new baby, and things get even trickier when you have to think about breastfeeding while pregnant. It means that you have another bundle of joy on the way while you are still nursing the first baby. The good news is that this is something that can be easily handled.
Is it safe to be pregnant and breastfeed?
The good news is that you don’t have to be worried about the nutritional needs of either of the babies, because your body is able to take care of both of them. However you should be prepared for the fact that things could get quite complicated. Most probably you still remember that pregnancy is a difficult period of women’s lives.
Also consider regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding that nursing also drains you for energy so you will be facing periods of time when you will feel simply exhausted. You could also experience some pain since during pregnancy the nipples are sensitive, and a baby’s latch isn’t always gentle.
Oxytocin
Don’t forget regarding breastfeeding during pregnancy that this activity makes the body release oxytocin that could make the Braxton-Hicks contractions stronger than normally. If you feel like you can’t handle everything at once, you could also consider weaning and this isn’t something you should feel guilty about.
Reduction of milk production
If you want to breastfeed while being pregnant you should prepare for a decrease in the milk amount that you are able to offer. This is why you should monitor your milk supply and the weight gain of the baby. This way you will know whether you have enough milk or you have to think about introducing the formula.
If you are nursing while pregnant but the baby is old enough, there should be no problems with introducing the formula. You can maintain your milk supply if you have enough calories. You are supposed to have 500-800 extra calories per day, six servings of calcium and four servings of protein.
Stay hydrated
For sure you know that during pregnancy it is very important to stay hydrated. If you are nursing during pregnancy this becomes even more important. In this situation you are supposed to have at least eight glasses of water per day, but if you have more, it is even better.
Ask for advice
In case you are considering nursing when being pregnant the best thing you could do is to talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to tell you whether this option is suitable for you and you will get information on what to do to make sure that both babies will develop normally.
Women breastfeeding when being pregnant should also consider what will happen when the second baby arrives as well. Will both of the babies be nursed or only the new baby?
As you can see the answer to the question can you breastfeed while pregnant is yes but there is a lot to take into consideration.
