In my seven years of volunteering as a breastfeeding counselor and consultant, one thing is crystal clear: mothers receive a whirlwind of mixed messages about the safety of breastfeeding during pregnancy. On one end of the spectrum, some doctors firmly declare that breastfeeding while pregnant is a definite no-go. On the other hand, there are those who say, “No worries, it’s perfectly fine!” And then there’s the middle ground where mothers are nudged to wean sooner rather than later. Talk about a confusing cocktail of advice!
First off, let’s acknowledge that deciding to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy is a deeply personal choice. For some moms, discovering they’re pregnant while still nursing may feel like a cue to end that chapter. Pregnancy hormones can make nursing uncomfortable, especially with morning sickness and fatigue adding to the mix. Plus, many little ones may suddenly seem more fussy at the breast, and some mothers experience a dip in milk supply due to those pesky hormones. If a mother feels it’s time to wean, she owes no one an explanation.
However, many mothers choose to persist in their breastfeeding journey while pregnant. They aren’t ready to part ways with their nursing relationship, and it often continues to work well for both mother and child. Additionally, breastfeeding can provide a much-needed moment of calm—a perfect excuse to snuggle on the couch and rest. And rest assured, breast milk maintains its nutritional value during pregnancy, even if the volume might drop.
So, what should a mother do when faced with contradictory advice from healthcare providers, friends, and even other breastfeeding moms? As a breastfeeding support person, I can’t dispense medical advice. Instead, I guide moms to reliable sources that offer current information on breastfeeding topics. The good news? A wealth of research indicates that breastfeeding during pregnancy is generally safe for healthy moms.
Let’s take a gander at the breastfeeding position paper from the Academy of American Family Physicians (AAFP). This paper states unequivocally that healthy moms have no reason to wean while pregnant. “If the pregnancy is normal and the mother is healthy, breastfeeding during pregnancy is the woman’s personal decision,” they assert. They also emphasize the health benefits of breastfeeding beyond infancy, urging mothers to keep nursing if their child is under two years old, as weaning could increase the risk of illness.
The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) echoes this sentiment, confirming that breastfeeding during pregnancy is safe, while advising mothers with a history of miscarriage or preterm birth to stay in close contact with their doctors regarding any unusual uterine contractions. The concern stems from the understanding that nipple stimulation can lead to contractions, which is why some may have heard it mentioned as a method to induce labor.
But is there solid evidence indicating that breastfeeding during pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage or premature labor? La Leche League International recently reviewed the research and found no definitive evidence linking breastfeeding to these risks. For instance, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Nursing Research compared two groups—one that breastfed for 30 days or more during pregnancy and another that didn’t. The findings? No significant differences in premature births or healthy birth weights between the two groups.
Another study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research in 2009 examined miscarriage risks among breastfeeding mothers. It reported a miscarriage rate of 7.3% in breastfeeding mothers compared to 8.4% in non-breastfeeding mothers—no significant differences to be found. Other studies and expert interviews consistently conclude that breastfeeding during pregnancy is indeed safe.
So, what should a mother do if she keeps receiving mixed messages despite her own research? My advice remains the same: trust your instincts. If continuing to breastfeed during pregnancy resonates with you, it might be time to seek out a healthcare professional who supports your choice. Additionally, surrounding yourself with supportive friends—or kindly asking the naysayers to zip it—might help. Ultimately, this is your body, your pregnancy, and your children. Gather the necessary information, find your support system, and do what feels right for you. If breastfeeding during pregnancy is your jam, you go, mama!
For more insights, you can check out this post on home insemination kits or visit Make a Mom for expert advice. If you’re looking for more pregnancy resources, Kindbody has you covered!
Summary:
Breastfeeding during pregnancy can be a safe choice for healthy mothers, despite mixed messages from various sources. Research indicates that it rarely poses risks for miscarriage or premature labor. Ultimately, the decision to continue nursing while pregnant is personal and should be based on what feels right for each mother.