Breast-feeding while pregnant: Is it safe?

My wife just found out that she's pregnant. Is it safe for her to continue breast-feeding our 9-month-old? Or wouldn't you recommend breast-feeding while pregnant?

- Saleh / New Mexico

Answer

For most women, it's possible to safely continue breast-feeding while pregnant — as long as vigilance is paid to healthy eating and aggressive hydration. Supplemental prenatal vitamins, especially vitamin D, may be needed as well.

Breast milk continues to be nutritionally sound throughout pregnancy. The content of breast milk changes throughout pregnancy, however. This may affect the way the milk tastes. Decreased milk production is also likely as the pregnancy progresses. Sometimes these factors lead a nursing child to wean on his or her own.

In other cases, the mother's comfort is a concern. During pregnancy, nipple tenderness and breast soreness are common. The discomfort may intensify while breast-feeding. Pregnancy-related fatigue is often an issue as well. If a mother wishes to continue breast-feeding while pregnant — or breast-feed both the baby and the older child after delivery — she may need additional support from loved ones.

It's important to remember that breast-feeding can trigger uterine contractions. Although these mild contractions aren't a concern for most women, caution is important. Breast-feeding during pregnancy generally isn't recommended for women who have a history of preterm labor.

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