Congratulations! Expecting a new baby while still breastfeeding can be an exciting, yet challenging journey. You’re not only nurturing your older child but also welcoming a new life into your family. This transition can bring a mix of emotions—joy, anticipation, and sometimes even a bit of worry about how to care for both children. This guide will help you understand how to balance the needs of both of your babies while ensuring you take care of yourself, too. You’ll learn about the benefits of breastfeeding while pregnant, tips for managing any discomfort, and ways to support your body as it goes through these changes. 

Understanding the Benefits

Breastfeeding while pregnant continues to offer benefits to both you and your nursing toddler. One of the most significant advantages is that your breast milk continues to provide essential nutrients and immune protection to your older child. This support is especially important as they grow and explore the world around them, helping to keep them healthy and strong. 

Additionally, breastfeeding fosters a deep emotional connection between you and your toddler. The familiarity of breastfeeding can provide a sense of stability and comfort, helping your toddler feel more at ease during this time of transition. Breastfeeding is one of your best parenting tools. Continuing to breastfeed into toddlerhood can help calm a fussy child, making it easier for them to nap and easing bedtime struggles. 

Important Considerations

As your pregnancy progresses, especially into the second trimester, you may notice a natural decrease in the quantity of breast milk you are producing. Depending on their age, this reduction can impact the nutritional needs of your older child. Sometimes an older nursing child may even notice a change to the taste of your breast milk as it transitions back toward the colostrum stage in preparation for the new baby.

  • For babies less than 6 months old: They may require additional calories to meet their needs. In this case, consider supplementing with previously frozen expressed breast milk, donor breast milk, or formula to ensure adequate nutrition.

  • What about older babies?: If they eat a wide variety of solid foods, decreased milk supply may not be a concern. It’s still important to monitor their diaper output, weight gain, and overall contentment between feedings. If you have any concerns, consult your baby’s healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations. 

Is Breastfeeding While Pregnant Safe?

For most healthy pregnancies, continuing to breastfeed is safe for both you and your baby, but there are some situations where it may not be recommended. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or risk factors. Here are a few considerations:

High-Risk Pregnancy

If you have a high-risk pregnancy due to conditions such as preterm labor, placental problems, or certain medical complications, your healthcare provider may advise against continued breastfeeding while pregnant.

Multiple Pregnancies

If you are pregnant with multiples (e.g., twins, triplets), breastfeeding may be discouraged due to the increased demands on your body and risk of preterm delivery.

Previous History

If you have a history of miscarriages, premature birth, or risk factors for other complications in previous pregnancies, your health care provider may recommend weaning.

Listening to Your Body

As you navigate this journey of breastfeeding while pregnant, it's essential to listen to your body. Pregnancy can be exhausting, especially while caring for an older child. Some mothers experience:

Nausea in Early Pregnancy

Morning sickness may make frequent feedings challenging, so be gentle with yourself and your nursing toddler, and try to get extra rest during this time.

Nipple Tenderness or Breast Soreness

These are common in the early weeks and months of pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but they often improve as hormone levels stabilize.

Positioning

As your pregnancy progresses, you might find different breastfeeding positions more, or less, comfortable. For example, side-lying positions can help you rest or even nap when your toddler does.

Aversion to Breastfeeding

Some mothers experience a sudden and intense aversion to breastfeeding, which can be difficult to manage. Setting limits on how long or how often you breastfeed can help you conserve energy and maintain your own comfort levels. 

Nutritional Needs

Breastfeeding requires plenty of fluids, so monitor your water intake especially during pregnancy and warmer weather. Your nutritional needs for protein, calcium, and iron will also increase, so include foods that provide these important nutrients. It’s also a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider about your caloric needs, as you may require additional calories above and beyond what is needed to support your pregnancy. 

Preparing for the New Baby

Discuss Expectations 

Talk with your older child about the new baby and the changes coming. It is important to emphasize that the new baby will need your milk too. Storytime is a great way to introduce the idea of what breastfeeding and family life will look like once the new baby arrives.

Plan for Tandem Feeding 

If you plan to breastfeed both children, educate yourself about tandem breastfeeding. It can be beneficial to learn techniques and positions to coordinate feeding both your newborn and toddler together or separately.

Weaning 

Some mothers may choose to wean during pregnancy for personal or emotional reasons, and that decision is entirely valid. Some older babies may even self-wean as your breast milk supply naturally decreases in the second trimester. This may be a welcome relief or not, depending on your goals. 

If you would like to wean before your new baby arrives, give yourself and your older nursling at least a month or two to adjust prior to the baby's birth. Lactation consultants can offer support for you to meet your feeding goals, whatever you decide.

Once Your New Baby Arrives

  • Prioritize the new baby: If tandem feeding, prioritize the new baby’s needs for milk prior to breastfeeding your older baby. Breastfeeding can feel intense again as you shift back into frequent feedings for your newborn. Remember, tandem nursing doesn’t have to happen each time your newborn feeds. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s ok to provide your toddler with other food and drink, and offer to breastfeed at a later time.

  • Postpartum recovery: Pay attention to your body, rest whenever you can, eat enough calories, and stay well hydrated. The postpartum period can be emotional. Seek support from your partner, family, friends, or professionals if needed.

Support When You Need It

Breastfeeding through a new pregnancy can bring joy, anticipation, and understandable questions about caring for two little ones. A lactation consultant can provide invaluable support and help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support. With good information and support, you can safely continue breastfeeding, manage any discomfort or challenges that arise, and nourish both your growing baby and your older child. You’re doing something incredible—support is here to help you thrive.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.