Is It Safe To Breastfeed During Pregnancy?
While pregnancy is a great experience, there are different types to it, one being the difference in planned and unplanned.
When a pregnancy is planned, there is generally a good gap between two children. But if it is an unplanned one, it could be that you get pregnant while you still have a child whom you need to nurse.
But, is it safe to breastfeed during pregnancy? In such a scenario, mothers have to breastfeed one while being pregnant with the second. While there is no obvious problem in doing so, there are a few things that you must take note of.
6 Challenges That You Can Face:
Though you are unlikely to face serious health risks if you feed while pregnant, there are some hassles that are common:
1. Reduction Of Milk Production:
During pregnancy, the level of milk production in your body may go down in response to pregnancy hormones, making it difficult to feed. Even if you continue, your child may only be able to feed for shorter duration each time.
2. Contractions By Feeding:
In some cases, feeding can make you go in to early labor. This is because of the release of the hormone oxytocin during breastfeeding, which is responsible for initiating contractions. The risk is higher if you have had a history of pre-term delivery.
3. Change In Quality Of Milk:
Your child will notice that the taste and quality of milk changes over time. During the latter part of pregnancy, the body produces colostrum, which is the nutritional, creamier milk, fed to newborn babies. But for a child who has tasted mature milk, this colostrum will taste salty, and she may not like it. Colostrum also has laxative properties, which can cause change in the stool of your child.
4. Tenderness Or Soreness Of Breasts:
During pregnancy, your breasts feel tender and you may have sore nipples. Hence, nursing may be inconvenient and painful.
[ Read: Sore Breast During Pregnancy ]
5. Tiredness:
Your body needs ample energy to keep your fetus healthy, recover strength after the earlier pregnancy, and produce milk for your nursing child. All this may take a toll on your fitness level and you will need plenty of rest through the day.
6. Reduced Nutrients For Second Baby:
If your body is not prepared for multitasking, and you are not taking proper diet, then there might be lesser nutrition going to the baby in your womb. However, this is very rare.
[ Read: Fiber During Pregnancy ]
5 Ways To Stay Fit While Breastfeeding During Pregnancy:
Here are some tips that you must follow to minimize the challenges:
1. Proper Diet:
Eating more and healthy food is the key to maintaining your ability to deal with pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to consume at least 500 calories extra every day, but not from junk food.
2. Water:
Drink lots of fluids through the day. You need to at least consume 8 to 10 glasses, to ensure that you are not dehydrated.
3. Multivitamins:
Since your body will need to manage a lot, you must ask your doctor for appropriate dosage of vitamins to keep up your fitness levels.
4. Calcium:
Having calcium supplements will help your system boost milk production. During the last trimester, your body has to start getting ready for your baby you are expecting, as well as feed your older child. If you are low on calcium, it will take a toll on your bones later in life.
[ Read: Calcium In Pregnancy ]
5. Partial Weaning:
Even as you continue nursing, you may choose to introduce formula milk or some solid food, depending upon the age of your child. This way, you can reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions, while ensuring that the child is getting adequate nutrition and is not hungry. However, you can do this only if the child is ready for the change.
By following these tips, you must be able to manage fine. Now that you know how how to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, your body will have no problem in supporting both the tasks.
Keeping a track of well-being and weight of your unborn baby will help. In case you have any doubt at any time about your health or that of any of your babies, consulting a doctor will be the best option.
Do share your experiences and tips with other parents in the comment section below.
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