Are you breastfeeding and found out you are pregnant again ? You may have a lot of concerns such as

• is it safe to breastfeed during pregnancy ?
• what effect will it have on my baby
• is it possible to breastfeed two  babies at a time ?
• is it going to have any effect on weaning my baby ?

You should know that it is normal to want answers to these questions .

Is it safe to breastfeed while pregnant ?

 
Many women are concerned about having mild contractions while breastfeeding during pregnancy . However if you have a healthy pregnancy, these contractions are nothing to worry about because they do not lead to premature labor.

Mild contractions during pregnancy is caused by the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is released during breastfeeding and stimulates contractions. However it is released in such small amounts during pregnancy that it is not enough to cause preterm labor. These contractions are also harmless and rarely poses any harm to the fetus. A small amount of pregnancy hormone passes through breast milk to your child. However this has no effect on your child.

Who may not be allowed to breastfeed while pregnant ?

 
Breastfeeding during pregnancy may not be recommended for the following cases:

• carrying multiples
• high risk pregnancy or previous preterm labor
• experiencing bleeding or uterine pain
• if you have been asked to avoid sex during pregnancy

 
If you experience these symptoms, your doctor will determine if weaning is the best option for you.

What are some of the challenges of breastfeeding while pregnant?

Pregnant women who are breastfeeding may experience nausea and well as sore nipples during breastfeeding. Fatigue is a common symptom of pregnancy. Therefore some  women do not want to breastfeed while pregnant because they think it may require more energy to do it. However breastfeeding does not require lots of energy. You may  actually get more rest by sitting to lying down to breastfeed.

What you need to do ?

 
If you decide to breastfeed during pregnancy ,  it is crucial that you eat well for the health of your child and unborn baby. Your calorie intake will depend on  how old the baby you are nursing is. You will need around 500 supplemental calories per day if your child is eating other foods apart from breast milk . You need 650 more calories if the baby  is less than six months old.

This calorie intake is in addition to the 350 extra calorie you need in the second trimester and 450 extra calorie you need in the third trimester. It is usually difficult to eat during the first trimester  due to nausea. It is such a relief therefore that no extra calorie is required in the first trimester.

If breastfeeding and pregnancy coincide, you have to consider the needs of your child and unborn baby as well as your feelings too. The decision is ultimately up to you.