Breastfeeding when pregnant Chatter Thread

Hello, I'm sorry I'm not pregnant (am ttc though..shh) but I have fed thrhough two pregnancies - I just wanted to say EM - I've got pregnant when I've had a 4.5 mth old baby twice, both times I got them through the pregnancy fine (tandem feeding now actually).

I think I noticed a drop in supply at some point around 4 mths and then *really quickly* it bounced back - however from 5-6-7 mths on it would slowly decrease. However this is the same time that baby is sort of getting established on solids so the baby just compensates with more solids. Always had milk left at the end of pregnancy/

Anyway - so from my own experience, you'll definitely have enough milk to get your baby easily through to 12 mths (going by your ticker) and there may be a drop after that, it's different for everyone though. After 12 mths she wont be so dependent on milk.

I think also that people need to be prepared for the fact that it can be really uncomfortable at the end and you may find yourself actively avoiding feeds.... I found I had to go right back to perfect attachment, trying not to let feeds stretch out too long, and making sure I was really comfortable before a feed etc because if there's any discomfort anywhere it can bring on this horrible irritation. Talking more about at the end here.

Good luck I wish I'd had a thread like this when I was preg & feeding!

Em, when I fell pg with my DS, DD was only 7mths. She was onto solids but still having 4-6 feeds during the day and 1-2 overnight. I fed her right through til she was 15mths, so about 6wks before DS was due.

I never noticed a drop in supply - or I must have had a really patient baby who just kept feeding without getting upset if my supply had dropped.

And don't forget one of the best ways to increase your supply is to just let baby feed as much as they want :)

Yes - neither of mine ever gave a stuff about how much milk was there.

My basis for concluding a reduction in supply was that it became very hard to express any milk by hand (like, to get a squirt). WHen I'm ont pregnant, it will come out striaght away, by the end of pregnancy it can take me some time to get a flow started by hand (not that I express, just to test I mean) - so something changed.

I think very often women perceive a bigger problem re supply than there really is - ie think it's dropped more than it has. But for most women, supply will be affected by pregnancy to varying degrees and if that happens it's usually unresponsive to your usual methods to regain supply. It's simply a hormonal change in which the milk suppressing hormones of pregnancy are overwhelming the hormones to produce milk.

But I really wouldn't worry, because if you do experience a drop in supply your baby will be old enough to just up solids intake.

My supply starting decreasing a bit at around 5 weeks with this pregnancy. I'm now 11.5 weeks pregnant and my DD is 8 months. She's still feeding on demand 24/7 and my 2 year old DS still feeds 2-3 times a day, but he always has the more empty side, and generally after my DD has fed. It's more of a comfort thing for him.

A doctor recently put me on maxolon and I've found that it's boosted my milk supply greatly. He actually put me on it for the morning sickness. It doesn't seem to make much difference to the morning sickness, but I'm going to ask my Ob for another prescription tomorrow more to help with my milk supply if needed at any stage.

Oh, and with the solids, my DD is now really getting into solids. She's quite enjoying it and usually has 1-2 solid feeds per day.

Mylitta - does that mean you are tandem feeding while pregnant? That is an awesome effort :clap:

Yep Mylitta I am relating.. You know the difficulty is it's so hard to wean the older child if you are tandem or triandem feeding? I *really* want to wean the eldest feeding but I feel like I'm psychologically traumatising him because he can see his little sisters feeding on demand. It drives me insane sometimes. I have cut him down as much as I possibly can but on occasion he seems so upset I relent. Bit worried about how I'm going to get out of this one..

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HotI - are you still concerned about your supply? And cows milk/breast milk order? Very cute about DD saying "ta-da!" in her sleep :lol:

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If i (and dd) keep feeding, supply is ok but if she has less one day it is hard to get it back. I work one day a week, and until pregnancy, it wouldn't impact much on the next days supply- dd would have a feed before work, and a huge feed after work, and then after dinner, overnight..... but now, it is harder to get back to levels after each work day. Similarly, she mainly feeds at home now, and so if we are out i feel like my supply is just going down. It's not the end, but it is more work now, when it used to be easy to just make what she needed.

THis week she doesn't want any cow milk (throws it and chucks a tanty if we get it out). Didn't really get a 'routine' happening, sometimes she wanted bf first and then cowsmilk, other times she would go reverse. just going with the flow as always.

:hug: HotI, its a bit of a tough time hey... I know when DD self-weaned when I was 32wks with DS it was pretty tough for me. She was fine :lol: But I was a bit sad.

Its going to be interesting to see how DS goes, he is much more reliant on it than DD is. I feed him ATM in my bed around 5am and he just seems to want to feed and feed and feed... I take him off after he's been on for about half an hour and he has this little tanty in bed, for about 30sec, then he generally calms down and goes back to sleep. But the little tanty is pretty full on, he throws himself around, almost rolls off the bed if I don't keep an arm on him while I am getting up to put him back in his cot. Screams at me - I've decided its pure frustration, "You took me away from the BB!" :lol:

So we'll see how we go for the next few months... maybe I will get to experience tandem feeding...

Hi girls! and welcome to the club OceanPrincess and em.. :hello:

OP - my DS is the same when I take him off the boob after soo long, except it isn't a 30second tanty, it generally goes for 10mins and he won't go back to sleep. i'm jealous!!

Well I'm 31w+5d and DS (15months) is still going strong. Actually he has been feeding a LOT more because he has been sick. It has been quite draining on me physically (and mentally sometimes) but I know that he needs it. I did though end up with massive blisters on the nipples because he was feeding soo frequently and for soo long. They've cleared up now but the nipples are still super sensitive to touch, so I have to be super attentive to his attachment - especially given he is cutting his 14th tooth and likes to chomp rather than suck. I actually think he has managed to get my supply up because they are getting heavier, and I actually started leaking the other day when he was screaming, which I haven't done for ages... probably not a good indicator but it's nice to know I do have something in there :)
On a not soo great note, nausea whilst feeding is at an all time high, particularly if it is an early morning feed (say 2am). I'm wondering if my BSL are too low?

He doesn't always go back to sleep! But he generally screams at me while I carry him back to his cot, then as soon as I lie him down he grabs blanky and calms down. Funny boy :lol:

Ouuccchhh on the nipples!!! TBH I'm a bit worried about something like that happening to me... I'm so lazy with his attachment now, esp at 5am, I just get it out and on he goes. I can't even see, its all dark still. We could be in trouble if I have to start paying attention!

Last night the cheeky monkey was feeding to sleep, half way there and I sneezed, he pulled off with a big start, looked up at me with big eyes and then relaxed and went "ah haha" and bit me as he reattached :o Cheeky boy.

I can't believe you've got 14 teeth! DS I coming up to 15mths and he's only got 5!!

You've done well to get so far - keep it up! :thumbsup:

ETA: Can you keep some dried fruit or something near where you do the night feeds?? Might help?

Yeah I'm usually not worried about attachment because he has always been soo good, but he just seems to chomp down with a half opened mouth and it gets painful the longer the feed goes. But he's getting pretty good again, he just has to be a bit more patient for the boob to get out of the shirt! :lol:

I'm hoping I can continue to feed, although it's getting a bit annoying with this bump that has decided to appear on my stomach :shakehead: especially when there is a child on the outside digging in, and a child on the inside pushing out :o gets a bit painful sometimes

Better run, DS is now putting washing on for me....

i am paying heaps of attention to attachment! i am quite sore/sensitive and feeding can be idgy enough without me getting any damage. DD also wants to lightly rub the top of the breast while she feeds atm which is driving me crazy! i have to try to distract her or hold her hand and she is not always keen on that.

DD has also been sick and wanting to feed a lot more- but then on other days she isn't so keen. i wish she would understand that to keep feeding she has to keep feeding or else it might not be there when she does want it, but she is just little and doesn't get it.

I am glad that she kept feeding through this winter cos this is the second time she has been sick and when she is she doesn't eat solids, so it is nice to be able to give her all the goodies in breastmilk.

My DD hasn't had any feeds today. She doesn't feed when we are out now, but i have been home all day and she just doesn't want it. A mate has been staying so not sure if that is why. Also think she has teeth coming through. Wish she would make up her mind.

Ahh poor poppet. This being pregnant thing can mix them up a bit hey?

DS hasn't fed since 11pm... Normally he has one in the wee small hours of the morning before I go to work... But not today, he slept til 8am :o

(Side note: why doesn't he do 9hr stretches when I do NOT have to work?!)

I came home early today as the nanny was sick and he hasn't shown any interest yet... So yeah, see how we go tonight I guess.

Last night he had his bedtime feed, at the right time, and didn't feed to sleep. Weird. Wonder if this is the beginning of the end?

:hug: How are your nights going HotI?

Oh dear, I'm at the point in my pregnancy where breastfeeding is becoming increasing excruciating. Of course my DD likes to be permanently attached to me for about and hour and a half each morning while she dozes which is becoming rather painful. And my DS likes to stretch my breast out while he feeds because it must make it more efficient for him to feed.

Oh well, I can at least be happy that my supply is still going well. On days where I feel like I'm lacking I sometimes take a maxalon as it seems to do a great job at boosting my supply. I rarely have to do that so far though which I'm very happy about.

Hmmm, with DD AND DS still breastfeeding I think I'm going to have to grow a third breast for the new bub...

Dear daughter,

Please stop groping me. My armpit is not a toy, and your arm cannot fit in between your head and my breast. And, the freckle will not come off no matter how much you try.

Your loving Mum

The feeding is going ok, its just the groping that is driving me a little crazy at the moment.

Last few days we have had 3-4 feeds during the day and none overnight. DD will sometimes come in to our room early morning and has had a couple of early morning feeds (me hoping she will go back to sleep) but sometimes she just wants cuddles- or to play.

OP, how are you going? I didn't really get to talk to you the other day. Is your little man bfeeding again? I do like it when DD gets a good early morning feed on days when i work, cos then i can get myself organised without having to worry about a feed as well. I am more comfy too.

Mylitta, you are amazing. If i find any info on growing an extra breast i will let you know.

I am also finding i have to change positions with DD now, because the bump is getting in her way.

Hey Ladies,

I haven't read all the posts ;) too long....I have a 20month old son who still is a frequent feeder. I'm pregnant again and am now finding my nipples starting to get sore like with both previous pregnancies (miscarriages unfortunately)....but i'm also finding I have no patience for DS touching me while feeding. ie. playing with my face, pinching (although he's not doing it on purpose, it's like just playing with skin and it pinches), touching my hair etc. I found this with both previous pregnancies too...Although i'm not fond of him touching alot normally i can usually tolerate it. i'm struggling with patience. Not ready to wean yet so no chance of that.
Any tips, or anyone else find this? And what can i do for the sore nipples!!??

Hi Kirley64 I'm sorry you didn't get a reply until now..how are things going?

I did get aversion while pregnant (go back a few pages and you can read all about it) but in the end I persevered until new baby was six weeks old. Then dd weaned easily and I felt at peace since ds fed two hourly 24/7 for a few months!

Forget from last time even though wasn't that long ago. Did anyone else notice increased supply?

My boobs fill quite full, not sure how far along I am but assuming only early.

Forget from last time even though wasn't that long ago. Did anyone else notice increased supply?

My boobs fill quite full, not sure how far along I am but assuming only early.

No, my first symptom is baby fussing cos my supply is down (or let down or something). How are you feeling about feeding two through pregnancy?

Yeah DS has been fussing but my boobs still feel quite full so not sure what's up with that...have to wait til dating ultrasound next Friday to see if things are ok in there. And knowing my luck it will be to early to see and I'll have to wait again! Who knows!

Yeah with feeding two, my MW has advised that it be best if I wean DD even though she supports tandem feeding etc. she said she can't encourage it due to my low weight as she worries about my health. So I do understand but trying to get DD to wean seems even tougher. We were out yesterday picking house colours and she's yelling out "booby NOW mum!" Over and over so I ended up feeding her to shut her up lol it's going to be tough!

Thinking back, I had a very slight increase in early pg. that then evened out at about 8 weeks and then I had a significant drop at about 13ish weeks I think it was. My supply is still very low, but it's there!

Just joining in ladies .... I'm feeding an 18mth old and am 5w pregnant. I've noticed a big drop in supply :( I DD gets quite frustrated, I'm hoping my supply increases in the next few weeks for her.

Do I need to eat more (like an extra piece of fruit?) now that I'm pregnant and breastfeeding?

Thanks Sepata

MissM: I guess it depends on how much your LO feeds. And how much you already eat and your weight etc. For me I find I have to eat more than an apple. I'm tandem feeding now and am pregnant (not sure how far along I am). But because my weight is on the lower end I should eat more. But I've been advised have to wean DD this time for my health.

Oh - I have plenty of beef to chew :) thanks!

Well now the sudden drop in supply has hit so its taking extra long to get my little guy off to bed!

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I breastfed two kids through my third pregnancy, and all three kids are triandem feeding (although I think my 3.5 year old is close to self-weaning). It was tricky during the stage of pregnancy were my supply was low, but both my older kids are persistent and continued through. My DD1 probably feeds as much (or maybe more) than my DD2.

Mylitta she said it would be fine if I put on some weight but because my weight is on the low side she worries. I find it hard to maintain my weight as it is.

That's fair enough. Mummy has to be happy and healthy too :)

13w5d pregnant. All I have to say is- "ow ow ow ow ow ow OW!"
Is this pain going to improve or will it just continue to hurt more over time. Im not sure I can handle it if it gets any worse. I cant really handle it now!

Does it hurt this much because theres no milk? I cant express any but DS is adament the is still milk in there.

It got less owy for me during 2nd trimester, so hopefully you get some relief soon. It is a good time to remind your little one to have a big mouth and good attachment etc. I also worked on doing a countdown 10 -1 blastoff! with DD so I could take her off if it was all getting too much. This came in handy when #2 arrived, and if he needed me, DD was used to a countdown meaning that she had to come off.

I never expressed to find out what was there, I knew my milk was down but was probably bit scared in case I couldn't express.

It got less owy for me during 2nd trimester, so hopefully you get some relief soon. It is a good time to remind your little one to have a big mouth and good attachment etc. I also worked on doing a countdown 10 -1 blastoff! with DD so I could take her off if it was all getting too much. This came in handy when #2 arrived, and if he needed me, DD was used to a countdown meaning that she had to come off.

I never expressed to find out what was there, I knew my milk was down but was probably bit scared in case I couldn't express.

Thanks HotI. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel then.
By express, I meant by hand. Tried right before his bedtime feed and got nothing.

Got better for me in the second trimester, both times :) my milk died out a lot around then, too, (ironically). It's coming back a bit now at 22 weeks :)

I forgot about the pain haha and here I am doing it all over again lol
It's harder feeding DD as it just feels really uncomfortable but have managed to get her feeds down to two a day! She asks for it so much more but that's all I can do especially with the drop in supply and the fact that DS still feeds so frequently. 9weeks down, many more to go!

Double post!

Still getting worse pain wise. But supply has kind of increased- I can hand express colostrum already. DS doesn't seem to mind that it has changed.

Bump for little_O

well, i am here again. i was tandem feeding (just) when this pregnancy began, but i think i can now call DD weaned. DS has cut down his feeds enormously, and is not as restful at the breast. I don't know if he will make it to the end, and i am not sure how much i want to keep encouraging him if he does look like weaning early. Tandem feeding worked for us, i really don't think DD was ready to finish earlier, but i also don't know if i want to do it all again.

My boobs aren't sore like i remembered last time, but i really dislike any fiddling or messing about. My supply has definitely dropped, and pumping leads to very little milk. Thankfully, i don't need to rely on ebm, and so DS will just have to deal with water and solids if i am not there. He is intolerant to dairy, which does make it a bit trickier. Feeding to sleep is rare since the pregnancy, but he is now pretty good at cuddling to sleep, at least at night.