Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey for every mother. But what happens when you get pregnant while still breastfeeding your toddler or baby? Should you stop? Or can you continue safely? Many moms find themselves asking these very questions.
Breastfeeding can overlap with pregnancy. This usually occurs if you have breastfed your older child for a long time. You may decide to continue breastfeeding your older child as they become a toddler. They can still get nutrition from breast milk and gain energy by eating other foods. As your breastfeeding frequency decreases, however, your chances for ovulation or conception will increase.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of breastfeeding while pregnant—covering in detail. We’ll also provide an easy-to-read comparison table and bullet points to help you decide what’s right for you and your growing family.
What is Breastfeeding While Pregnant?
Breastfeeding while pregnant means continuing to nurse your current child while also carrying a new baby. It’s more common than people think—especially for moms with toddlers who aren’t quite ready to wean.
This situation is sometimes called “tandem nursing”, especially if you continue to breastfeed both children after the new baby is born.
Is It Safe to Breastfeed During Pregnancy?
In most healthy pregnancies, yes, breastfeeding while pregnant is considered safe.
However, there are exceptions. Some medical professionals may advise against it if:
- You have a history of miscarriages or preterm labor
- You’re carrying twins or more
- You have uterine pain or bleeding
- You’re underweight or have nutritional deficiencies
Always consult your healthcare provider before making a decision.
Can I breastfeed my two children at the same time?
After your baby’s birth, you can continue to breastfeed your older child. Tandem feeding is what this involves. Tandem feeding is a great way to connect your toddler and your new baby.
Tandem feeding can be done in different ways. Both children can be fed at the same moment. You can also feed your younger child first, and then your newborn.
Your older child may want to feed constantly because you have so much milk. You can limit the amount of feeds they receive if you wish.
It may be easier to lie down or use cushions.
Your baby may also have difficulty coping with the letdown reflex if you produce so much milk. Changing your feeding routine may help.
Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding While Pregnant
Let’s break down the pros and cons of breastfeeding while pregnant so you can see the full picture.
Pros (Advantages / Benefits)
- Emotional bonding with your older child
- Helps toddlers transition gently before the new baby arrives
- Natural source of comfort for the nursing child
- Maintains immune benefits for the child
- May reduce engorgement or blocked ducts during early pregnancy
- Saves money on formula
- Keeps milk supply active for tandem feeding later
Cons (Disadvantages / Drawbacks)
- Nipple sensitivity or discomfort due to hormonal changes
- Uterine contractions (though usually not harmful)
- Fatigue and nutritional strain on the mother
- Reduced milk supply during pregnancy
- Feelings of guilt or emotional stress
- Potential jealousy or confusion in older child after baby arrives
Detailed Benefits of Breastfeeding While Pregnant
Here’s a closer look at the benefits of breastfeeding while pregnant:
1. Strong Emotional Connection
Breastfeeding provides comfort and emotional security to your child. During pregnancy, your toddler might feel uncertain about changes, and nursing helps them feel grounded and loved.
2. Ease of Transition
Weaning can be a tough process. Continuing to breastfeed through your pregnancy allows your child to wean gradually and on their own timeline—especially if they are not ready to stop yet.
3. Immune Support for Older Child
Breast milk is still packed with antibodies and nutrients, even during pregnancy. If your older child is still breastfeeding, they continue to get those immune-boosting benefits.
4. Prevents Breast Engorgement
Pregnancy hormones can cause breast changes and engorgement. Nursing helps relieve discomfort naturally.
5. Money-Saving
Skipping formula or cow’s milk while breastfeeding cuts down on grocery expenses. Plus, breastfeeding is convenient—no bottles or prep needed.
6. Preparation for Tandem Nursing
Some moms plan to nurse both babies (newborn and toddler). Continuing through pregnancy keeps milk production going, making tandem feeding easier.
Detailed Drawbacks of Breastfeeding While Pregnant
Let’s be real—there are disadvantages and drawbacks of breastfeeding while pregnant too.
1. Increased Nipple Sensitivity
Pregnancy hormones can make nipples extra sensitive or sore. Some moms describe the sensation as “teeth-grindingly uncomfortable.”
2. Exhaustion and Nutritional Demands
You’re growing a baby and feeding another one. That’s a lot of work! You’ll need to eat more calories and drink more fluids to keep your energy up.
3. Uterine Contractions
Nipple stimulation can cause mild uterine contractions. While they are usually harmless, in high-risk pregnancies they may increase complications.
4. Drop in Milk Supply
During the second trimester, many women notice a natural dip in milk supply due to hormonal shifts. Some toddlers may self-wean when milk becomes less satisfying.
5. Jealousy or Weaning Pressure
After the baby arrives, the older child may feel jealous or confused if they must share “their milk.” Some moms experience guilt when trying to balance needs between both kids.
6. Negative Social Pressure
Unfortunately, not everyone will understand or support your decision. You may face judgment or unsolicited opinions from family or even healthcare workers.
Breastfeeding While Pregnant: Comparison Table
| Aspect | Advantage / Benefit | Disadvantage / Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Bonding | Keeps emotional connection strong during change | May cause jealousy post-birth |
| Physical Comfort | Eases engorgement, helps with let-down reflex | Nipple pain and soreness |
| Nutrition for Child | Provides immune support and nutrients | Milk supply may drop, less satisfying for child |
| Mother’s Health | Keeps milk production active | Nutritional drain and added fatigue |
| Weaning Process | Gentle, child-led weaning | Difficult to balance needs of two children |
| Pregnancy Safety | Safe for low-risk pregnancies | Uterine contractions may raise risks in high-risk pregnancies |
| Social Acceptance | More moms are doing it than you think! | Judgment or lack of support |
| Postpartum Preparation | Prepares body and toddler for tandem nursing | Newborn may demand exclusive access to milk |
Important Considerations
If you’re thinking about continuing to breastfeed while pregnant, keep these points in mind:
Listen to Your Body
Pregnancy is tiring enough on its own. If breastfeeding is too much, it’s okay to stop or cut back. Your body will tell you what it needs.
Nutrition is Key
Eat well and stay hydrated. You’ll need:
- Extra protein
- Lots of calcium
- Iron-rich foods
- Plenty of water
Consider asking your doctor about prenatal vitamins that support both pregnancy and milk production.
Set Boundaries
Some toddlers like to nurse constantly. If it becomes overwhelming, it’s okay to say “not now” and limit sessions.
Watch for Signs of Preterm Labor
If you experience:
- Cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
- Lower back pain
Talk to your doctor right away. These could be signs you should stop breastfeeding during pregnancy.
Consider Tandem Nursing Later
Some moms find that nursing two kids at once can be rewarding. It creates a shared bond between siblings and gives each child comfort.
How can I take care of myself?
You may experience tender nipples if you are breastfeeding while pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, be careful about your position and attachment. This will help to relieve any discomfort. You may find it helpful to lay down when feeding.
Some women may experience tender nipples throughout their pregnancy, while others will only have them during the first trimester.
If you are hungry, your morning sickness may be worse. It could be hormonal changes or being tired, hungry or thirsty.
You can take care of yourself by:
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should breastfeed while pregnant. Every mom, every baby, and every pregnancy is different.
The pros and cons of breastfeeding while pregnant show that there are clear benefits and drawbacks. For many moms, the advantages—like emotional connection, continued immunity, and gentle weaning—make it worth it. But for others, the disadvantages—such as fatigue, discomfort, or medical concerns—may lead to choosing weaning.
Whatever you decide, remember this: You are doing your best. Whether you stop or continue, you’re making the right choice for your family.