Key takeaways: In a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, continuing to breastfeed is generally considered safe. Milk supply often drops and the taste changes, and nipples may be sore. Talk with your provider if you have a high-risk pregnancy. After birth, tandem nursing is possible; the newborn should feed first.
If you become pregnant while breastfeeding, you may wonder whether to continue.
Is It Safe?
For most healthy, low-risk pregnancies, research hasn’t found that breastfeeding increases the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. Breastfeeding causes uterine contractions due to oxytocin, but the uterus isn’t very sensitive to oxytocin until late pregnancy.
Talk to your provider if you have a history of preterm birth, bleeding, a short cervix, or other high-risk factors.
Changes You May Notice
- Lower milk supply, often in the second trimester, as pregnancy hormones take over.
- Taste changes, and later the return of colostrum.
- Nipple soreness, which is common.
- Fatigue and nausea.
- Feeling “touched out” or agitated while nursing.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. If you want feeding help you can flip to in the middle of the night, my book walks you through feeding month by month, from the very first latch to the first birthday.
Your Older Child
- Under 1 year: watch growth closely, since milk supply may drop. Your child may need more solids or a supplement.
- Over 1 year: many children continue, while some wean on their own.
Nutrition
Eat enough, take your prenatal vitamin, and drink to thirst.
Tandem Nursing
Some families nurse a toddler and newborn after birth.
- Newborn feeds first, especially in the early days, so they get colostrum and enough milk.
- Your supply will adjust to two children.
- Hygiene: each child can use either side; no need for a “dedicated” breast in most cases.
- Set limits with your older child as needed.
Choosing to Wean
It’s okay to wean during pregnancy if you want to. Gradual weaning is gentler on both of you.
Call your provider if you have: cramping that’s regular or painful, bleeding, or signs of preterm labor during pregnancy.
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding during a healthy pregnancy is usually safe. Expect supply and taste changes, and do what works for your family.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation
- Nursing Strikes: Why Babies Suddenly Refuse the Breast
- Breastfeeding Beyond the First Year
Sources
- López-Fernández G, Barrios M, Goberna-Tricas J, Gómez-Benito J. Breastfeeding during pregnancy: a systematic review. Women Birth. 2017;30(6):e292-e300.
- Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
- La Leche League International. Breastfeeding during pregnancy; tandem nursing. https://www.llli.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
