TL;DR: Yes, breastfeeding during pregnancy is generally safe, but it comes with physical and emotional challenges. Here’s what to know:

Challenges:

• Physical discomfort (sore nipples, fatigue)
• Emotional exhaustion from hormone shifts and nursing demands
• Social pressure or judgment from others

Tips:

• Try new nursing positions (side-lying, football hold)
• Set boundaries (shorter sessions, scheduled feeds)
• Prioritize rest, hydration, and nutrition
• Build a supportive community (lactation consultants, online groups)

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We talk about breastfeeding a lot.

However, one topic that isn’t typically explored is breastfeeding while pregnant. It happens more often than you think, especially for families who have children close in age. Many mothers find themselves navigating the emotional and physical whirlwind of being pregnant while breastfeeding, unsure of what to expect or how to make the best choices for themselves and their growing families.

Today, we’re sharing the realities of breastfeeding while pregnant, along with tips and practical advice that can help you on your journey.

Is Breastfeeding Safe While Pregnant?

First things first, is it even safe to breastfeed while pregnant?

There are plenty of misconceptions out there that doing so can lead to early labor or take away nutrients from the little one in your womb. This is simply not true.

The American Pregnancy Association explains that breastfeeding while pregnant is generally considered safe. Studies have shown that the hormone oxytocin released during breastfeeding is not enough to cause preterm labor, nor does it pose a risk to your child.

Of course, every pregnancy is different. You should always talk with a doctor to decide if breastfeeding during pregnancy is the best option for you. They may recommend that you stop breastfeeding if you have a high-risk pregnancy or are at risk for preterm labor out of an abundance of caution.

Challenges of Being Pregnant While Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding while pregnant is safe, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Navigating the needs of a growing baby or toddler while also nurturing a new life inside your body can affect you physically and emotionally.

Physical Discomfort

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are both physically intense on their own. Combined, they can leave you feeling drained.

Common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and food aversions can feel amplified when your body is also working to produce milk. Other common breastfeeding while pregnant symptoms are sore or sensitive nipples, which can make nursing uncomfortable or even painful.

Emotional Toll

Tandem feeding can be overwhelming. You may worry about meeting the nutritional needs of two children at once. You may even get frustrated and touched out during nursing sessions. The bonding experience that breastfeeding once was can suddenly feel overstimulating.

Social Pressure

The decision to continue to breastfeed while pregnant is a personal one. But it’s not uncommon to receive unsolicited advice or even criticism for this choice. It’s important to have a community that supports your decision while being able to stand your ground amid external stress.

Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Breastfeeding during pregnancy can be both manageable and meaningful with the right support and strategies. Here are some practical tips to help you care for both your nursing child and your growing baby without burning out.

Experiment with Different Breastfeeding Positions

As your belly grows and your body becomes more sensitive, certain nursing positions may become uncomfortable. Try adjusting your positioning to reduce pressure on your abdomen or sensitive breasts.

Some breastfeeding positions that could work include:

• Side-lying position can reduce the strain on your back and belly.
• Football hold allows you to tuck your baby beside you rather than across your lap.
• Laid-back nursing can take the pressure off your lower body.

Set Boundaries: Shorter Sessions & Comfort Nursing

You don’t have to nurse on demand around the clock. Setting gentle limits or a loose breastfeeding schedule can help you preserve your energy while still providing connection and comfort.

These boundaries can also help prepare your child emotionally for weaning later, or for sharing nursing time with a newborn.

Prioritize Rest and Self-Care

Your body is working double duty, growing a baby and producing milk at the same time. It’s important that you create time to rest and recharge, not just for your own health and wellbeing but that of your growing family.

Practice self-care such as:

• Nap when you can, especially if you’re waking up often at night.
• Drink plenty of water and aim for nourishing, high-protein snacks and meals to support your caloric needs.
• Don’t skip prenatal vitamins since your body needs extra nutrients now more than ever.

Build a Supportive Breastfeeding Environment

Having a safe, nonjudgmental space makes all the difference, no matter if you continue breastfeeding while pregnant or not. Surround yourself with people who respect your choices and offer encouragement:

• Join online or local breastfeeding support groups. You’ll likely find other moms navigating pregnancy and tandem nursing.
• Share your goals and needs with your partner or support system, so they know how to help.
• Consider talking to a lactation consultant familiar with pregnancy-related challenges. They can be your best resource to help with latch pain, milk supply concerns, and positioning tweaks during your pregnancy and after baby is born.

To Wean or Not to Wean?

Only you (and your healthcare provider) can decide if breastfeeding while pregnant is the right choice. As you navigate this decision, make sure to consider your health and energy levels and your baby’s need for nourishment and comfort.

If you’re leaning toward weaning, know that gentle, gradual strategies can ease the transition for both of you. Choosing what supports your physical and emotional health, as well as your family’s unique dynamics, is always the right decision.

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