Colostrum Powder - questions about breastfeeding and pregnancy.?

questions about breastfeeding and pregnancy.?

My daughter is 6 months old. I might be pregnant, havn't taken the test yet... however if I am pregnant I want to keep nursing my 6 month old.. so here are my questions.. first... can I do that? will it cause problems during pregnancy? will I have to wean her before the other child is born? when will the colostrum come in for the newborn, and how do I not give my daughter that milk, and only the newborn? do I get the newborn first dibs? I dont want to have to wean at all... so when the newborn is born how do I just give the newborn the colostrum that he/she needs, but still feed my daughter.. can she drink the colostrum? and finally, when i produce the colostrum.. even if I can give it to my daughter after the newborn has first dibs on it.. it isn't enough to fill her up so will I have to supplement with frozen breast milk that I have saved up? so many questions... sorry!

Public Comments

This happened to my friend and her OB told her to wean her child because being pregnant drys up your milk.
Check out this site for stacks of info on nursing while pregnant & tandem feeding: http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/faq/index.html Best of luck!
you will need to wean your 1st child. lactation releases oxytocin, a hormone that will interfere with your pregnancy and could also put you into early labor if you are still nursing your 1st. great job for nursing 6 months! not too many Moms make it that long these days. you should be very proud :)
1. Yes, you can continue to breastfeed while pregnant. 2. No, it will not cause problems with the pregnancy. Sometimes babies will self-wean sometime during pregnancy because the taste of the milk changes, and the supply often drops. Other mothers opt to wean due to nipple soreness or discomfort, but as long as your older baby is willing and YOU are willing, you can nurse as long as desired. 3. No, you don't have to wean her at all. 4. Our bodies are amazing. The milk will switch back to colostrum shortly before your new baby arrives. Your older child can drink it and it will not hurt her. 5. Yes, your newborn will get first dibs on the milk. Remember that, if you are pregnant now, your older child will be well over a year old by the time the new baby arrives. Breastmilk will be only a fairly small part of her diet, so there is no need for the milk to 'fill her up.' She can take what milk is available for her, and eat solids for the rest of her nutritional needs.
Being pregnant DOES NOT dry up your milk. I still have milk and I am pregnant. Still nursing a 22 month old and happily so. Yes, you can breastfeed and be pregnant. No, it will not cause issues in a pregnancy. No, you will not need to wean before the other child is born unless you want to. Yes, both babies can drink the same. I am starring this so my contacts can see and answer when they are online. I am also going to insert some links for you. It's actually done a lot. I told my OB that I am still breastfeeding and she smiled and said, "Great, it's going to help you when you are queasy or sleepy." I smiled and now, NOW I understand what she means. By nursing our baby and laying down- she snuggles in and we rest together- a much needed rest for me. One of my contacts did this as well, and I am hoping she will answer when she is able. The only issue I am having right now: my nipples are sore- very sore at times. Milk supply is still there, and she seems happy. She is only nursing on the average of 2 times a day, sometimes 3. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/tandem/index.html http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/breastfeeding/tandem.html http://www.llli.org/NB/NBtandem.html There are a bunch online. If you google "tandem nursing" you will find what you need. Best wishes to you! Edit: Try not to stress out. Seriously- first you need to find out if you are pregnant. Then, read up on tandem nursing if you are. I take the laid back approach to most things...including this- it will work out. I promise. Sometimes it seems that when I get myself involved and stressed, it works itself out before I come up with a solution myself. Hang in there and you can email me if you have questions...take care!
There are some great answers!! I am tandem nursing my 32 month old and 10 week old. I nursed though my pregnancy without any problems. Tandem nursing has been wonderful!! I think it helped my toddler accept the baby because the baby hasn't taken his place. The first 2 weeks, my toddler nursed more than usual, but I think that was our adjustment period. Often, they nurse together, and my toddler likes to hold his brother's hand, and help burp him. You need to do what is best for you, so just see how things go, the first few weeks are the toughest, but you'll figure it out!! Good Luck!!
First: Yes, you absolutely can continue to nurse your 6 month old for as long as you like while pregnant. No, it will not cause problems during pregnancy. If you are at a TRUE high risk for preterm labor, then.. maybe. But otherwise, it is perfectly safe and healthy. Your milk will change near the end of your pregnancy. It will NOT run out... your newborn will get all that he/she needs even if your toddler is nursing right along side of him/her. Colostrum will be made as usual for the 24- 72 hours after your baby is born no matter how much is taken out! Neat eh? You will be making plenty of milk, so you can nurse your newborn and toddler as much as either one wants. Your body will supply if the demand is there :) By the time this next baby is born, your first will be 14? months. By then, she will be eating solids, and can supplement with that until your milk comes in full blast. If your milk supply drops during pregnancy (which it might) and your daughter is less than a year old, you may need to supplement a bit (use a cup). Frozen breastmilk would of course be your first choice. If you can pump milk out now, then pump so you have some stashed up JIC. If you want some more support and info, try the Yahoo!Group Milk_drunk and kellymom.com I hope that helps!