What are the healthrisks associated with breastfeeding while pregnant?

I am 7 weeks pregnant and have a 5 1/2 month old infant that I have been exclusively breastfeeding until recently (just started solids about one month ago once a day). I am breastfeeding on demand (about 5-8 times a day). My first OB appt. was today with the nurse practitioner and she suggested that I ween my baby from the breast... I want to breastfeed him for at least one year but I need to know what reprocussions I could face if I do. She said it would be too much for my body to handle. I am waiting to hear back from the LLL on this but in the meantime, does anyone have any facts on the subject? I really do not want to ween him so maybe some suggestions would be helpful. Thank-you!!!

Also, I know that if you are high risk, it can lead to pre-term labor: that is a non-issue for me I have had a healthy full-term baby.

You've run into a common problem . . . OBs who don't know what to do with moms who breast feed. Ok, I'm a little irritable about OBs, but anyway. . . it's not their fault, since many of them (or their instructors) were taught BFing was bad, back in the day. Anyway, you're right to try to arm yourself with information.

Breastfeeding while pregnant is usually safe and if you are willing, you can breastfeed both children after the new baby comes. There are some things to pay attention to when you are BF and pregnant. Obviously, you have increased calorie needs, since you need to fuel your body, make milk for baby #1, and help baby #2 develop. Also, your calories need to be fairly nutrient rich to ensure your health (both babies will get nutrients before you, so eat well to ensure you don't get sick). A few months into pregancy, many women notice some change in milk ( in amount and/or consisitency). Some babies find that unpleasant and wean. Others don't care. Prepare to monitor your nursling to make sure he/she is having plenty of wet/dirty diapers and is gaining weight. Obviously, if your nursling is not getting enough milk, you may have to use supplemental formula. Get as much info as you can via the web and your lactation consultant, and prepare to discuss it with your doctor. Good luck!

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I was always told that it is perfectly okay! I had a 3 month old and got pregnant and was worried about the fetus not getting enough nutrients. My doctor said it was fine and that both babies will get adequate nutrition. There are no problems with breastfeeding until you are ready to ween the other child. She also said it was perfectly okay to breastfeed both of them. It worked fine for me, I breastfed the older one until he was 1. They are 3 and 4 years old now and both are healthy and the baby came out a good weight 7'13. Good luck, I hope this makes you feel better.

I tried that, it can cause premature labor. And you will have trouble breastfeeding the second baby.

1. Because the older child has toughen up your nipples made them less sensitive

2. the first milk will not be there for the other baby. Your first baby has gotten it.

The only thing I can think of is your calories and your vitamins. Both breastfeeding and being pregnant takes those and I would guess that doing BOTH at the same time would take MORE. Talk with the DOCTOR forget the nurse practitioner and also the LLL about what you should do about your vitamin and calorie intake.

That is the ONLY think that comes to mind for me.

If anything make sure you get TONS of calcium, while breastfeeding can lower your chances of breast cancer it can increase your chances of osteoporosis (lack of calcum cause brittle bones).

I've always thought this was perfectly okay and more healthful for your child. But one tip for you is to check out Mommytalk.com -- I've found some great advice and tips there for lots of different issues. Good luck.

It's generally perfectly fine to continue breastfeeding while pregnant. You may have to keep an eye on your milk supply b/c some women have a huge decrease in milk (or even dry up completely) in their second trimester. Since your baby is still so young, you may need to supplement with either frozen breastmilk (that you start saving now), formula or additional solids than you would have to normally.

I got pregnant for the second time when my daughter was 8 months old, and I continued to nurse her until she was 14 1/2 months old. I did partially wean her to just twice a day at a year because I wasn't sure I wanted to tandem nurse. Then, she weaned suddenly after a biting incident at 14.5 months, but that's a different story. I don't know how much milk my daughter was still getting, but she was swallowing, so I know I hadn't dried up completely.

I personally know at least two moms who have nursed through their pregnancies and gone on to nurse their newborn and toddler at the same time. I've also met several other moms online who have done the same thing.

Best of luck to you, and if your OB also recommends that you wean, then it might be time to find a new OB. Neither my OBs, midwives, or pediatrician had any problem with me continuing to nurse during my pregnancy.