question for moms who have nursed through pregnancy

[APMomOfKimmyN-Maya]

I'm 6 weeks pregnant and my 15 month old is still nursing a lot. I have noticed she is really constipated and it seems to be coinciding with the pregnancy but maybe not. I'm worried that either she or the embryo are not getting enough nutrients....

Does this constipation inmy toddler have something to do with the pregnancy?
Is there anything I can do or eat to help her?

[miss_honeyb]

I have not previously nursed through a pregnancy, but I am now and have done some reading on it. I haven't heard anything about it causing constipation. As long as you're eating well, both the little one and the nursling are getting enough nutrients. I know colostrum is a laxative, so it can't be that...

Maybe one of the more experienced nursing mamas has more insight for you.

[camille76]

Originally Posted by miss_honeyb

I know colostrum is a laxative, so it can't be that...

Am I missing something? I thought colostrum was only during the first days after birth, until the milk comes in. ??? Is it still in the milk in low quantities, or what? If so, this is news to me!!! Curious to hear...

[miss_honeyb]

Although it usually comes in in the last month or two before birth, some women do start producing it earlier in their pregnancy.

[mama_nym]

The constipation could be from her not getting enough fluids - either because she's active / it's summer and is not getting enough water/breastmilk or because you're having a dip in supply and she's not getting as much breastmilk as she's used to and isn't making up the difference drinking water.

Or it could be due to a change in diet in the summer months - eating more fresh fruits and veggies adds more fiber to the diet and can at first lead to constipation.

I hope you figure it out soon!

Colostrum usually comes in sometime during the third trimester and stays until several days after the baby is born when it (gradually) changes to breastmilk. There is plenty of colostrum to go around and it's a GREAT immune system boost to the older nursling!!!