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 mother's 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.