Throughout my seven years of assisting breastfeeding mothers as a volunteer counselor and lactation consultant, I have witnessed the confusion surrounding the safety of breastfeeding during pregnancy. Some mothers receive unequivocal advice from their healthcare providers that breastfeeding while pregnant is entirely unsafe and should be avoided. Others receive milder recommendations, suggesting that weaning should be prioritized. Meanwhile, some are reassured that it is perfectly safe to continue nursing without concern.
This mixed messaging can be bewildering! The decision to breastfeed during pregnancy is deeply personal. If a mother finds herself expecting while still nursing, she might feel compelled to wean. Pregnancy hormones can make nursing uncomfortable for many mothers, especially if they are dealing with fatigue or nausea. Additionally, some babies and toddlers may become fussier at the breast, and hormonal changes can lead to a reduction in milk supply. If a mother chooses to stop breastfeeding, she owes no one an explanation.
However, many mothers opt to continue breastfeeding their baby or toddler during pregnancy. They may feel that the nursing relationship is still beneficial and fulfilling for both themselves and their child. Breastfeeding can also provide a valuable opportunity for rest, allowing mothers to take a break while snuggling with their little ones. Importantly, the nutritional value of breast milk remains intact during pregnancy, even if the quantity may decrease.
Mothers want to ensure the safety of their pregnancies and unborn children, but what should they do when faced with conflicting advice from medical professionals, friends, and even fellow breastfeeding mothers? As a breastfeeding support advocate, I refrain from giving medical advice and instead direct mothers to credible resources that provide current information on breastfeeding. Research indicates that breastfeeding is generally safe for healthy pregnant women.
The Academy of American Family Physicians (AAFP), in their breastfeeding position paper, clearly states that healthy mothers have no reason to wean during pregnancy. They note that if the pregnancy is progressing normally and the mother is in good health, the decision to continue breastfeeding rests with her. Furthermore, they highlight the health benefits of extended breastfeeding for toddlers, advising mothers to continue nursing during pregnancy, as children under two years old are at a higher risk of illness if weaned prematurely.
Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a statement affirming the safety of breastfeeding during pregnancy, while suggesting that mothers with histories of miscarriage or preterm labor should consult with their healthcare provider if they experience unusual uterine contractions. This concern arises from the understanding that nipple stimulation can trigger contractions, which is sometimes utilized as a method to induce labor when overdue.
So, is there evidence linking breastfeeding during pregnancy to an increased risk of miscarriage or preterm labor? A recent summary from La Leche League International reviewed existing research and found no conclusive evidence that breastfeeding contributes to these risks.
For instance, a study published in 2012 in the Journal of Nursing Research compared two groups of women—those who breastfed during pregnancy for 30 days or more and those who did not. The findings showed no significant differences in the rates of preterm births or healthy birth weights between the two groups. Another study from 2009 in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research found that the miscarriage rates for mothers who breastfed during pregnancy (7.3%) were comparable to those who did not breastfeed (8.4%), with no statistically significant differences noted.
The overall consensus from various studies and expert opinions is that breastfeeding during pregnancy is safe.
If a mother continues to receive conflicting information despite her research, my advice remains the same: trust your instincts. If continuing to breastfeed during pregnancy is important to you, seek out a supportive healthcare professional. Surround yourself with encouraging friends, or simply disregard the naysayers. Ultimately, this is your journey—your body, your pregnancy, and your children. Gather reliable information, seek out supportive resources, and do what feels right for you. If breastfeeding during pregnancy is what you choose, embrace it proudly—you are a resilient multitasking mother!
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Summary:
Breastfeeding during pregnancy is a personal choice and generally considered safe for healthy mothers. Mixed messages from healthcare providers can cause confusion, but studies show no significant risks associated with breastfeeding during pregnancy. Mothers should trust their instincts and seek supportive healthcare and community resources to navigate their breastfeeding journey.