Helpful Tips For Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Before you prematurely wean your toddler, however, it’s important to understand that just because oxytocin in present in the body, it doesn’t mean that it will automatically send the uterus into contractions. The uterus will not begin labor until other hormones and proteins are present as well, reducing the chance that breastfeeding hormones alone will cause labor.

Some mothers also may feel an extra level of exhaustion if they are breastfeeding while pregnant, and should be careful to not over-exert themselves physically or surround themselves with difficult people or situations. A pregnant, nursing mother needs extra sleep, so just let those dishes soak while you take a nap.

How to Reap the Benefits

Whether you are pregnant or not, every mother needs a breastfeeding plan. Just because you have “instant milk” doesn’t mean that it will be easy to meet the nutritional demands of a toddler while you’re pregnant. Here are a few tips that every pregnant mother should know about nursing:

* Express your breast milk and freeze it to create a back-up supply for times when you can’t nurse

* Keep a nursing journal noting times of feedings, pregnancy weight and any significant changes in milk production

* Drink more water throughout your pregnancy, especially if nursing as well

* To boost milk production, switch breasts every time you nurse

* Increase your food intake as you may need 700 to 900 more calories than before you got pregnant, and adjust accordingly

* Use ice compresses or a soothing ointment between feedings to reduce nipple sensitivity

Creating a nursing plan will help you continue to provide your toddler with nutritious breast milk, even though you may be tired or too uncomfortable to nurse on the spot. Of course, you will want to be vigilant in looking for any signs of pre-term labor, and if you experience moderate to severe contractions while breastfeeding, you should stop and call your doctor immediately.

Breastfeeding your child is one of the most natural and nurturing things a mother can do, as it gives your child a special bond with you while giving their immune systems a healthy boost. Don’t underestimate your body’s innate power to provide for your child. If you have been nursing consistently for the entire pregnancy, your body can adjust to meet the needs of this child, and the next one that comes along.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in 2014 by Vicki Wiepking. Vicki is a 2008 graduate of The McKay Method School of Energy Healing in Bozeman, MT, and a certified Flower Essence Practitioner. She is the owner of Rasa Deva Wellness in Bozeman, where she offers a unique combination of energy healing, flower essences and essential oils to her clients. Vicki currently teaches energy healing classes at both the McKay Method and HealthWorks Institute.

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