As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), you will be asked many questions about breastfeeding at varying stages. Many parents wonder if you can breastfeed while pregnant.
The short answer, is yes, you can breastfeed while pregnant. It is a myth that it is inherently dangerous to breastfeed during pregnancy. That said, there are some challenges, and it is not something all parents are comfortable doing.
This is what you need to know, as a CBC, about breastfeeding while pregnant:
You Can Breastfeed While Pregnant
Many people continue to breastfeed during pregnancy. Some wean during pregnancy; others continue and tandem breastfeed. As a CBC, it can be helpful to let clients know that they have the option to continue feeding if they and their baby desire.
Many parents may be told they must wean, including by healthcare providers. They may feel like they are putting their pregnancy at risk.
From an evidenced based perspective, it is generally safe to breastfeed during pregnancy.
A 2012 study found:
“Results: Results found no significant difference in full-term or non-full-term births rates and mean newborn birth weight between the two groups. We further found no significant difference between full-term or non-full-term births and mean newborn birth weight for those who continued and discontinued breastfeeding during pregnancy in the overlap group.
Conclusions/implications for practice: Results suggest that breastfeeding during normal pregnancy does not increase chance of untoward maternal and newborn outcomes. Nurses and midwives should give expectant mothers appropriate evidence-based guidance and focus attention on promoting proper nutritional intake based on lactation status during pregnancy.”
While it was a small study, it did not find any correlation between breastfeeding during pregnancy and a negative birth outcome.
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Can Be Uncomfortable And Challenging For Some
Due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, some find nipple sensitivity makes breastfeeding uncomfortable. This happens immediately after becoming pregnant for some, and for others it does not develop until later in pregnancy.
Some find breastfeeding reduces pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea. Others find breastfeeding, especially the let-down, can increase nausea. There can also be a major drop is supply for some early on, while others will not experience until midway through when milk returns to more colostrum like.
Frequent feeds, sensitive nipples, and supply changes can make breastfeeding during pregnancy challenging for some. For others, they experience little to no effects. Only the pregnant person can decide if continuing is right for her or if weaning is a better option.
As a CBC, you can reassure your client that they can safely decide whether to continue or wean. You can reassure them that there is not a right or a wrong.
Breastfeeding an Infant Under One is Different Than a Toddler
If a pregnant person is breastfeeding an infant under one, especially before solids are introduced, they will need to watch supply. In some cases, a supply dip could be significant enough to impact baby’s intake.
They will want to keep an eye on baby’s growth. In some cases, supplementing may be necessary in young infants. They can work with their baby’s pediatrician and an IBCLC to watch intake and growth.
For older infants, the overall intake is less impacted by a pregnancy. They will have additional nutrition and calories from other sources making supply changes less impactful.
Can High Risk People Breastfeed While Pregnant?
In some situations, there may be high risk pregnancies where breastfeeding could be contradicted. The evidence on this can vary significantly. For those who are at an increased risk for preterm birth, some providers advise against breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding releases oxytocin which can trigger uterine cramping and contractions. In a typical pregnancy, this is not a concern. In the same way sexual activity triggering oxytocin is not contradicted for most pregnancies, breastfeeding is not.
If a client is on pelvic rest, has a cervical concern, or any other restrictions, she will want to discuss the safety or risk of breastfeeding with her specialist.
As a CBC, you cannot tell a client what decisions to make. However, you can let them know what current evidence shows and point them to the appropriate care providers to learn more.