Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding While You Are Pregnant

• Some people (including some obstetricians) might tell you that you shouldn't nurse while you're pregnant, as it may harm your fetus. There is no need to worry about this unless you are severely malnourished (which you should never be, especially if you are pregnant or lactating).
• They might tell you that nursing during pregnancy might increase the risk of miscarriage. While it is true that nursing causes uterine contractions (due to the hormone oxytocin), there is no evidence that this may lead to a miscarriage. In fact, you will experience more severe uterine contractions during orgasm. If your doctor hasn't told you to avoid sex during pregnancy, nursing is perfectly safe too. If your doctor has told you to avoid sex, find out why. If uterine contractions are not among the reasons, then nursing is still safe.
• You might experience some breast and nipple tenderness during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. You need to decide whether you are willing to nurse anyway, or whether you would rather wean. If you choose to continue nursing, you can take some comfort in the fact that the tenderness is likely to decrease soon. If you wean, your child might want to resume nursing when the new baby is born. See tandem nursing before you make your decision.
• Some time during your pregnancy, your milk will decrease and its taste will change. It will eventually change into colostrum. Many toddlers wean themselves when this happens. Some, however, are happy to continue nursing. Either way, the decision to tandem nurse or not is yours.

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