any medical benefits & risks to nursing whil PG?

[JenLiz]

DD is 3 years 9 months and I'm about 6 wks pg. She only nurses herself to sleep and upon waking...it's a longtime ritual that we both love! I'm not planning on stopping...taking it day by day.

I noticed a post on a thread that said nursing while PG can help decrease morning sickness....so that got me curious. Anyone else know of cool physical bonuses nursing through a pregnancy? (I'm already clear on the psychological benefits! LOL)

Also, are there any known risks, risks to the fetus like "using up" all the colestrum, or preterm labor, etc.

Reason for my post is mostly I've heard of the hard parts of nursing while PG...the pain (yes, i have it) the loss of milk (yes, it's already gone) the annoyance and anger and guilt....etc. So, I'm looking for some positive things to focus on. I LOVE nursing my daughter and have no problem idealogically or mentally co-sleeping and tandem nursing. Also, of course, I'm also a bit worried about it causing harm, so wondering if those worries are founded.

Thanks!!!

[JenLiz]

Nothing?

[nursekk]

I nursed my daughter until she was almost 2, and I was 20 weeks pregnant. We suffered no ill effects. I was prepared to tandem nurse, but she self-weaned. You might worry about preterm labor if you have a history of PTL or misscarriage but if not, I think it's pretty benign. I think you could get some conservative reactions from OBs, but my nurse midwives had no discouraging words about it. Good luck!

[SustainablParentng]

I nursed my ds throughout my pregnancy. The only real risk I have heard of is if you are at risk for preterm delivery because nursing can cause uterine contractions.
When my labor began I COULD NOT nurse my ds because it made my contractions immediately unbearable - needless to say he was unhappy the night before my dd was born because I could not nurse him.

[lovemyryguy]

I nursed through my pregnancy and everyone is fine! Yes, it was really difficult. But, now my son (almost 26 months) is nursing a lot. I found it to be beneficial for 2 reasons. One, once your colostrum comes back (mine was back before 30 weeks) your LO gets the immunological benefits. Two, once you have your baby, your older nursling is great for helping with engorgement, but also they continue to get really healthy mommy milk. While I was pg I came down with a stomach bug, but despite obviously close proximity, he never got sick, and I think it was because of the colostrum he was getting. Then, recently, he got sick with an ear infection, and had a fever for a few days, and didn't eat for about a week. BUT, he was nursing. So, I knew he was getting calories and staying hydrated. So, for me it was worth it to get through nursing while pregnant for him to have the added benefit afterwards. However, DS1 was only 14 months when I got pregnant, so it might be a little different for you as your LO is much older.

Congrats on the pregnancy!!