In my seven years as a lactation consultant and volunteer counselor, I’ve been struck by the mixed messages mothers receive regarding the safety of breastfeeding during pregnancy. Some healthcare providers insist that breastfeeding while pregnant is entirely unsafe and should not be done under any circumstances. Others suggest that mothers should wean as soon as possible, while a few advocate that it’s completely safe to continue nursing without worry. Talk about confusion!
Breastfeeding during pregnancy is a deeply personal choice. For some mothers, the news of a new pregnancy while still nursing may feel like a cue to stop. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can make nursing uncomfortable, especially during bouts of nausea or overwhelming fatigue. Many little ones also become fussier at the breast, and some mothers might notice a decrease in milk supply due to hormonal shifts. Ultimately, if a mother decides to end her nursing journey, she doesn’t owe anyone an explanation.
However, many mothers choose to continue breastfeeding their toddler or baby throughout their pregnancy. They feel it works well for both them and their child. Additionally, breastfeeding can provide a much-needed moment of relaxation amid the chaos of pregnancy—a perfect excuse to sink into the couch with their little one. Importantly, breast milk retains its nutritional value during pregnancy, even if the quantity may decrease.
Mothers naturally want to ensure the safety of their pregnancy and their unborn child. But when faced with conflicting advice from health professionals, friends, and even other breastfeeding mothers, what’s a mom to do?
In my capacity as a breastfeeding support person, I cannot provide medical advice, but I can direct mothers to reliable, evidence-based resources. Fortunately, considerable research indicates that for healthy women, breastfeeding during pregnancy is rarely a contraindication.
For example, the Academy of American Family Physicians (AAFP) states unequivocally that there is no need to wean during a healthy pregnancy. They emphasize that if a mother is healthy and her pregnancy is progressing normally, the decision to continue breastfeeding is entirely personal. Moreover, they highlight the health benefits of extended breastfeeding for toddlers, noting that weaning a child under two may increase their risk of illness.
Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released statements affirming the safety of breastfeeding during pregnancy, advising mothers with histories of miscarriage or premature birth to maintain communication with their healthcare providers if they experience any unusual uterine contractions.
Concerns often arise from the understanding that nipple stimulation can trigger contractions—something you may have heard about regarding labor induction. So, is there actual evidence linking breastfeeding during pregnancy to an increased risk of miscarriage or premature labor? La Leche League International has summarized multiple studies and found no definitive evidence supporting these concerns.
For instance, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Nursing Research compared pregnant women who breastfed for at least 30 days to those who did not. The results showed no significant differences in preterm births or healthy birth weights between the two groups. Another study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research examined miscarriage risks and found that the rates were similar between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers, suggesting that breastfeeding during pregnancy does not elevate the risk of miscarriage.
If a mother continues to receive conflicting information despite her research, the best advice I can offer is to trust her instincts. If breastfeeding during pregnancy aligns with her desires, she may need to seek out supportive healthcare professionals and a community of friends who respect her choices. It’s her pregnancy, her body, and her children; she deserves accurate information and support. If continuing to breastfeed during pregnancy feels right, she should embrace it wholeheartedly!
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Summary
Breastfeeding during pregnancy is a personal choice that can be safe for many women. While some healthcare providers may express concerns, research generally supports the idea that breastfeeding does not significantly increase the risks of miscarriage or preterm labor for healthy mothers. Ultimately, women should trust their instincts and seek support that aligns with their choices.
Keyphrase: breastfeeding during pregnancy
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