Everything you should know about breastfeeding while pregnant

Breastfeeding has been shown to have a bunch of positive impacts on new mums and bubs, from protecting against chronic diseases like asthma to staving off stomach bugs [1].

If you're planning to bring another little one into the world, you might be wondering if you can continue breastfeeding while pregnant or start feeding both children after the new baby arrives.

This article will explore the ins and outs of breastfeeding while pregnant, providing an overview of the practice and your options as a breastfeeding mum-to-be.

Is it safe to continue breastfeeding while pregnant?

The World Health Organisation recommends that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their lives and continue breastfeeding up until the age of 2 or even longer [2].

In the past, some people worried that breastfeeding while pregnant could lead to lower birth weight for the unborn child or even preterm delivery. Fortunately, there is little scientific evidence to support these fears [3].

The human body is incredibly resilient, making it possible for most people to continue breastfeeding during and after pregnancy without any negative impacts on either child.

It is generally considered safe to continue breastfeeding while pregnant as long as you have a normal and healthy pregnancy.

If you have a history of miscarriage in the first 20 weeks or preterm labour after 20 weeks, you should talk to your doctor about how to protect the health of your unborn child [4].

How does breastfeeding affect pregnancy?

There are two main ways that breastfeeding is thought to affect pregnancy: nutritional competition and hormone release.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people have higher vitamin and mineral requirements to make sure the mother, nursing child, and unborn baby are all getting the energy they need.

The hormone oxytocin is also released during breastfeeding, which can affect the uterus.

The research into breastfeeding while pregnant has been relatively limited.

A 2019 analysis found a slightly elevated risk of miscarriage for women who exclusively breastfed their child while pregnant, similar to the risk for women who conceive over the age of 40 [5]. Other studies have found no correlation.

The author of the 2019 paper theorised that complementary breastfeeding (or using breast milk alongside other sources of nutrition for the baby) was not linked to a higher risk of miscarriage because it places lower nutritional demands on the mother's body.

Additionally, a 2015 study found no evidence to support a link between breastfeeding and low gestational weight [6].

However, the authors of both studies highlighted the need for more comprehensive research to provide a conclusive answer.

Will breastfeeding impact my pregnancy symptoms?

Pregnancy takes a toll on the body, as does breastfeeding.

Some people find morning sickness can be more severe during a feed, which could be because of the hormones released, or more generally due to the mother's hunger, thirst or fatigue while caring for the older child in the days and weeks leading up to giving birth.

Rest is essential to the health of the parent and both children, so make sure to seek support from family and friends during this intense time.

For those planning on breastfeeding while pregnant, it's important to manage your diet carefully and follow your doctor's advice about nutrition.

Eating more vegetables, lean protein and whole grains is a good rule of thumb.

If you're looking for a prenatal supplement, Kin’s Prenatal Vitamin contains activated methylated folate, which is easily absorbed and supports early neural development. It also includes iron, omega-3 for foetal brain growth, and levomefolic acid for healthy foetal development.

You may also experience nipple tenderness due to pregnancy hormones, which can be improved with proper positioning and attachment during breastfeeding.

Some people find lying down while feeding can be more comfortable, as well as creating a calm and relaxing environment for both you and the breastfeeding baby. If you're still struggling to get a good latch after some trial and error, it may be helpful to seek advice from a lactation consultant.

Will  pregnancy impact my milk supply?

Pregnancy hormones affect the whole body, including breast milk production.

Your milk supply may decrease as your pregnancy progresses, and the taste of your milk might change.

Your breasts will likely start making colostrum during the later stages of pregnancy, a substance that helps build up a newborn's immune system.

Be aware that the different flavour may encourage the older child to wean or have a laxative effect, but will not harm your toddler in any way [7].

If you’re still breastfeeding an older child, this won’t deprive your newborn of colostrum either. Lots of people find they get more thirsty during breastfeeding, so make sure to drink at least 2 litres of water per day.

I want to wean my baby. How should I do it?

Even if you choose to breastfeed during the early trimesters, you may decide to wean as the pregnancy progresses.

Some babies will take the lead on weaning, while others may need a little encouragement.

This is a time of significant transition for both mother and child, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If you want to wean your baby from breast milk, it's often easiest to start gradually.

This could mean replacing one breastfeeding session every few days with either a bottle of formula (for babies under 12 months old) or a cup of dairy milk or other appropriate beverage for older children.

You can also offer a nursing child solids before breastfeeding to encourage them to fill up. You can then slowly build up the number of replacement feeds until you have completely stopped breastfeeding.

It may seem obvious, but many babies continue to need the comfort and skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding after they have weaned, especially if they are sick or teething.

By cuddling and spending time with your little one, you can maintain a strong emotional connection with them as they grow up.

In terms of your own health, you will need to adjust your diet as your breast milk production decreases.

You may also need to hand express or pump excess milk in the beginning if your breasts are very full. Avoid expressing more than necessary to make yourself comfortable so you don't accidentally trigger more milk production.

How to breastfeed two children

Some new mums can feed both a newborn and a toddler at the same time, in a practice known as tandem feeding. Breastfeeding more than one child can be challenging, but offers health benefits for both babies.

After your new baby arrives, you can choose to feed both children simultaneously or at different times based on what suits your body and fits with their needs. You may also need to experiment with different positions to find what works.

Either way, your breast milk supply will likely adjust to meet the demand of feeding two hungry little ones.

Remember, every family’s situation is unique, so it’s important to do what feels right for you and your babies.

Talking to a lactation consultant can offer personalised advice and support for tandem feeding and breastfeeding more generally.

Tips for breastfeeding while pregnant

Pregnancy hormones can make your nipples more tender than usual. You may also struggle to maintain your milk supply throughout the pregnancy.

Kin's Breastfeeding Essentials can make the process a little bit easier, with a soothing nipple balm and 3 pairs of absorbent and comfortable breast pads.

If breastfeeding triggers morning sickness, there are a range of lifestyle adjustments that could help.

First, it's important to get as much rest as possible, as fatigue can worsen the symptoms. Eating small, frequent meals with lots of protein and staying hydrated can also help minimise nausea.

Some people find sour or bland foods help, along with loose clothing and fresh air. Kin's Morning Sickness Tea is made up of ginger, peppermint and subtle aromatics that are designed to relieve nausea and aid digestion.

The oxytocin released during breastfeeding can cause mild uterine contractions, which you may be able to feel.

The information currently available shows that breastfeeding during pregnancy does not lead to adverse outcomes in normal, low-risk pregnancies, but if you are concerned about contractions you should consult your medical team [8].

If at any stage you're feeling overwhelmed or your health begins to suffer, you can of course transition to complementary feeding or begin to wean your older child.

Communication with healthcare providers, attention to dietary requirements, and listening to your own body are key to ensuring a healthy breastfeeding experience.

Ultimately, breastfeeding while pregnant is a personal choice that can usually be safely practised with proper medical guidance and nutritional care.

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