Breastfeeding and Pregnancy (x-posted in Pregnancy)

[Soul-O]

Hi Everyone:

I just found out that I'm pregnant with baby #4 - due in February. My 12 month old is still getting about 90% of his nutrition from breastmilk, with gradually increasing consumption of solids and no cow's milk. I nursed through each of my previous pregnancies; however, the older boys were both about 2 1/2 when I became pregnant again and thus weren't all that affected by my supply dropping and eventually drying up completely by the five month mark. I'm concerned that my little one will not get enough breastmilk even though I'm committed to nursing through this pregnancy and tandem nursing if he is interested. Does anyone have any advice for me on how to keep the milk flowing as long as possible?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[2boyzmama]

I became pregnant when my first son was 15 months old. I was able to keep my supply up throughout my pregnancy fairly easily. (note that I started with a good supply to begin with) Number one most important thing is to STAY HYDRATED!! You're not only growing a baby, but you're lactating for a toddler, that takes a lot of fluid. It also takes a lot of energy, so NAP when you can!! Even if you can't nap, at least put your feet up several times a day. I'd also start encouraging solids a little more than you might have otherwise, but don't limit nursings, that will just compound a supply problem. Encourage your toddler to eat a snack after every nursing session. That way he gets some extra calories and nutrients, but doesn't cut out any nursing time. If he sleeps through the night, you might want to try adding a short pumping session just before you go to bed so your body has one more stimulation a day to encourage milk production.

Your body will take what it needs for your new baby...your toddler will have to make due with what's left over! But you can do it!!

Mama to Ian (3-17-05) : and Connor (3-3-07) : :

[Soul-O]

Thank you so much for your reply. You've given me some great advice and I will definitely follow it. My fingers are crossed for keeping my supply as long as possible.

[noah's mom]

If you have a strong supply now (and if pumping works for you, b/c I know for some mamas it's useless!), you might also want to try pumping after some feedings and build up a stash for the "lean times" when your supply drops. That way, you could still give your ds ebm in a sippy when he's not able to get it from the breast.

[Soul-O]

Originally Posted by noah's mom

If you have a strong supply now (and if pumping works for you, b/c I know for some mamas it's useless!), you might also want to try pumping after some feedings and build up a stash for the "lean times" when your supply drops. That way, you could still give your ds ebm in a sippy when he's not able to get it from the breast.

Great idea! I'd been thinking about pumping for him, and a neighbor offered to lend me her Medela Pump in Style, so I will take her up on the offer.

Thanks for your help