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BREASTFEEDING DURING PREGNANCY
The decision whether or not to continue breastfeeding through a pregnancy is an individual one. Allowing mom to discuss and separate out her feelings (physically and emotionally) can be of help to her.
Considerations include:
Age of the nursing child.
Child’s readiness to wean.
Whether mom is experiencing breastfeeding related discomforts.
Possible changes in mothers milk supply and the taste, causing child to wean self.
Obviously, there are some health concerns, which could affect the decision, these include:
History of premature delivery.
Uterine pain or bleeding.
Continued weight loss by mom.
Further information:
The side effects of pregnancy, such as fatigue, nausea, a growing abdomen and sore nipples may cause emotional ups and downs about the decision to continue to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding in and of itself, is not a drain on physical energy. However, most women do feel fatigued with pregnancy.
If the nursing baby is less than one year, it’s important to watch the infant’s weight gain. If baby is not gaining appropriately, it could be due to a decrease in the milk supply (which can happen, usually in the last four months of pregnancy).
A well-nourished mom should have no problems providing for her unborn child and nursing. Often, more calories and an extra vitamin supplement are needed.
Uterine contractions commonly experienced during breastfeeding do not cause a threat in a normal pregnancy.
Probably the best option for a mom who is unsure of her decision to breastfeed while pregnant is to simply take each day as it comes, rather than quickly deciding to wean.
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