Can Breastfeeding Harm my Pregnancy?

Can Breastfeeding Harm my Pregnancy?

Breastfeeding is very healthy not just for your baby but also for you. Breastfeeding showers numerous benefits on the mother and child and that is why breastfeeding is highly recommended. In fact, you shouldn’t stop breastfeeding until milk production ceases completely. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here

The more you breastfeed your child, the better it is for both of you. This is, however, only in normal circumstances. How about the time when you are in your breastfeeding stage and you are pregnant at the same time?

Is it still safe to breastfeed or will it harm pregnancy in any way? Well, in most cases it is perfectly safe but that does not mean you take it lightly. You should make sure you protect yourself as well as your unborn child.

When you are at a risk of miscarriage

Under some circumstances, breastfeeding while you are pregnant can harm your unborn child. One example is when you are at a risk of miscarriage. You might not be able to breastfeed your upcoming pregnancy.

The problem is that breastfeeding enhances the production of the hormone called oxytocin, which is important for the stimulation of contractions. This risk, however, will come only after the 24th week of your pregnancy. If you are among those who are at no risk of miscarriage, you can breastfeed freely during all your trimesters.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, breastfeeding can actually be difficult for you. Pregnancy has the potential to alter the supply of milk and even change the taste of your breast milk.

As a result, your child may not like your breast milk because of the same reason. As you advance in your pregnancy, nursing may be problematic too because of your growing belly. During pregnancy, remember that the breasts undergo changes.

The nipples become tender and your breasts will swell because of all the hormones released during pregnancy. All this can make nursing very difficult for you. However, many women easily nurse throughout their entire pregnancy, so it will depend upon the woman.

How to breastfeed while you are pregnant

During breastfeeding while you are pregnant, it is very important for you to take good care of yourself. You should eat more because you are supporting not just one child but two. For the developing fetus, you will need more calories as well as more fluids.

At the same time, to make sure you provide enough milk to your child, you will need additional fluids and calories. Hence, your needs are literally tripled. You should take very good care of yourself. You should keep drinking water and other fluids all day.

In fact, you should always have a bottle of water with you. At the same time, you should eat healthy and nutritious food. You should keep snacking all day so as to meet the requirements of your body because it is nursing as well as aiding a developing child.

You should also get adequate rest so that you can support your pregnancy as well as feed your child. Only when you rest well will you be able to produce more milk and take good care of your child while supporting your fetus. Sleep at least eight hours each day and make sure you even nap as and when possible.

Know when to stop

Having said all this, know when to stop. If breastfeeding is taxing and very uncomfortable for you, weaning will be a good idea. Talk to your doctor for suggestions and help.

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Dr. Renee Hanton, MD
Dr. Renee Hanton, MD | ConceiveEasy
Dr. Renee Hanton is ConceiveEasy's Senior Physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Dr. Hanton specializes in the endocrine causes of infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

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