Are you currently breastfeeding your baby while recently discovering you’ve conceived again? Are you concerned about the health and nutrition of your baby and unborn child? If so, there are a few issues you should consider when it comes to breastfeeding while pregnant.

Breastfeeding in Early Pregnancy

For most women, breastfeeding during pregnancy is completely safe. You may at times feel a bit more tired early in your new pregnancy as your body continues to nourish your child while supporting the development of your unborn baby at the same time. It is critical to maintain adequate hydration during this early period, particularly if you happen to experience the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness. Drinking a proper amount of water helps to ensure you continue to produce mature milk for your breastfeeding child.

Breastfeeding Later in Pregnancy

At some point later in your pregnancy, your body will begin to prepare for the eventuality of breastfeeding your new baby after you give birth. This may change the consistency of your milk and your breastfeeding child may at one point need additional calories and nutritional support. You may notice the supply of milk available to your nursing child decreases as your pregnancy progresses. If your child is nursing more frequently, or you notice an increase in their appetite for solids, such as rice cereal or first foods, this could also indicate your milk production is slowing. This is a natural response to hormonal changes in your pregnancy, often attributed to a gradual rise in progesterone levels. This change in your milk supply does not mean you need to stop nursing, and in fact, your child is still getting the outstanding nutrition and immune support that breast milk provides. If your child is still gaining adequate weight, there is no need to discontinue breastfeeding unless you are ready to do so.

Can I Increase Milk Production When Pregnant?

Many mothers say that they notice their milk supply increases when they have a serving of oatmeal every day. This may or may not contribute to this perceived increase, but the nutrition in oatmeal is hard to argue and doctors support this practice. A variety of supplements are sold on the market, over the counter, today that make various claims for their ability to boost a woman’s milk production, but these claims are not scientifically substantiated and most doctors do not recommend taking them, especially when you’re growing another baby in your body. It’s safer to use diet and other advice from your OB/GYN when it comes to anything that may help increase your production of breast milk.

Most physicians agree that you can continue to safely nurse while pregnant. Simply stay well hydrated and make sure you’re eating a healthy diet. That’s all you need to ensure continued healthy growth and development of both of your babies. Women in Surprise, AZ have a trusted source of information at Premier Care for Women.