I have a 13 month old son that is still breastfeeding and I am now 6 weeks pregnant. I went through 2 cycles of IVF to fall pregnant and fought to maintain my milk supply whilst on the meds. I'm now pregnant and have still been doing my best to maintain my milk supply which has been dropping. Today I saw my obstetrician and asked him about breastfeeding (hoping he would help me boost my supply), but he actually suggested weaning my DS. His reasoning was that from 12 weeks in the pregnancy the uterus gets more receptors that are sensitive to the oxytocin produced when breastfeeding, and can stimulate the uterus and cause miscarriage. I understand that his priority has to be for the baby that's inside me, and that even if the risk is small, he has to recommend what is technically best for that baby. I really didn't want to wean DS yet (was actually hoping to tandem feed), but would like to know what sort of risk I would be taking on the new baby. Is the amount of oxytocin I make during breastfeeding significantly more than what I would make when I just snuggle with DS, or think about how much I love him? If there really is a significant risk, then I'll have to think about weaning him. I actually have about 9 litres of frozen EBM, but I can't get him to drink it and it keeps getting wasted. If I put it in a bottle all he wants to do is play with the teat on the bottle. If I put it in his sippy cup he spits it out because I think he is expecting water. Tonight I even tried just putting it in a plastic cup to see if the novelty of a normal cup might get him to drink it, but he still only had a small sip before he gave up. He won't even take it from his daddy.
Mylitta, I am also Bfing my 6 month old son and i am 8.5 weeks PG. Everything i have read and been told so far has said that it is completely safe to BF while PG. Hopefully Barb will come along soon and give her thoughts. To be honest, nipple stimulation did NOTHING to bring on my labour (even at 2 weeks overdue) and i am sure your bub probably feeds rather quickly (as i know mine already does!!) so surely such a short time of nipple stimulation wouldn't be enough to cause a miscarriage!!?
Dear Mylitta,
There are a number of ingredients involved in your body going into labour. Yes, there have to be oxytocin receptors and my understanding is that the body is not receptive to the effect of oxytocin until your body is read - the cervix ripe. The risk of going into premature labour is minute - and only theoretical. And you have hit the nail on the head. Snuggling with your loved one, (even eating and socialising) produce oxytocin. If your ob didn't suggest that you refrain from sex, particularly orgasm, then I think breastfeeding a 13 mnth old is far less risk (not that I do think sex is a problem!)
Your ob is right about your milk - you are fighting against nature to increase your milk supply. But there is more to breastfeeding for mother and child than milk. Many children love the comfort and closeness and sail right through pregnancy and into tandem feeding. Or they might stop. Have you read "Adventures in Tandem Feeding" - a great read - available from the Australian Breastfeeding Association
Breastfeeding during pregnancy
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