Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Breastfeeding while pregnant can sometimes be tricky and you may need to adjust your breastfeeding around nausea, back pain and tender breasts. Breastfeeding while nursing is unfortunately painful for most mothers, though the degree of discomfort varies for everyone.

For some it might be just a tingly feeling but for others breastfeeding during pregnancy can be very painful. Also, breastfeeding while pregnant may not be painful for the whole pregnancy - it may come and go throughout the pregnancy.

Treatment for sore nipples or painful breastfeeding while pregnant:

• Lanolin lotion or cream or ice/cold compresses may soothe the pain
• Frequent and shorter feeds rather than longer sessions
• Keep your fluid intake up - dehydration can make breastfeeding while pregnant more painful
• Try different positions
• Encourage your toddler to suck gently
• Check that your toddler is not too hungry before a feed
• Offer a feed before your toddler asks so that he is not too vigorous
• Use relaxation techniques to cope with the pain

The initial latching on is often the most painful time. If your toddler is making sucking noises or clicking noises he is not latched on properly. Teeth marks around the nipple also show that his position is not correct. You will need to take your toddler off (either tell him to come off or put your finger in his mouth to bring him off gently) and tell him to open his mouth wide and go back on.

Positions for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

• Cradle hold: your toddler can snuggle around your belly. Your toddler may get a surprise as your baby prods him unexpectantly!
• Rugby ball hold: when your toddler's feet are pointing away from you. Your toddler's head may need to rest on pillow.
• Standing: If you are sitting your toddler can stand and cuddle up to you.
• Sitting next to each other
• Lying down, either side by side or you on your back.

Your shape gradually changes during pregnancy as you and your toddler can adjust gradually as you need to. Be flexible and maintain a sense of humour!

Often babies and toddlers play with your other nipple whilst feeding but if you are breastfeeding while pregnant and you have painful nipples then you may need to protect yourself! Try holding your child's free hand, or playing pat-a-cake or hand games to keep your toddler distracted. Also ask your toddler to keep still and no wriggling!

During pregnancy your milk supply changes. During the first couple of months of your pregnancy the concentrations of sodium, chloride and protein increase whilst glucose, lactose and potassium decrease so making your breastmilk taste salty. You may notice your toddler not wanting the milk (and so begin to wean) or ask for a drink of water immediately after feeding!

By mid-pregnancy most women notice that less milk is being produced. As a result your toddler may lengthen his feeding session, switch from breast to breast or suck harder. However, about 30% of women do not notice a decrease in milk production. In the third trimester milk supply often goes up again and towards the end of your pregnancy you will be producing colostrum which your toddler may or may not like it. Beware that the colostrum may have a laxative effect on your toddler!

Also if you are nursing while pregnant you may experience "breastfeeding agitation". This is when you simply have had enough of breastfeeding and have a strong urge to stop feeding your older child. This can be a very primal feeling and may be that your pregnancy somehow causes your body to think that it's time to wean and therefore you may experience this feeling unexpectedly.

After you have given birth the problems you experienced when breastfeeding while pregnant generally disappear. Breastfeeding agitation also tends to disappear or at least improve, though this is not always the case.

Whilst nursing while pregnant do check you are wearing the right sized bra. Too small a bra can lead to blocked ducts which in turn can lead to mastitis. Clothes wise you will need to choose clothes where your toddler can easily breastfeed: tops with buttons, or tops that can easily lift up - any clothes that give your tummy room to grow and there's room enough to move easily for your toddler to breastfeed.

Remember to take care of yourself during your pregnancy. Be flexible about your toddler breastfeeding - you may need to adapt according to what your body can deal with and whether your toddler wants to continue.

Good luck!