There are a lot of misconceptions about breastfeeding while pregnant. Some things I’ve heard mamas say (who usually heard it from their mamas):
“Your milk goes bad when you’re pregnant.”
“You’ll go into early labour if you breastfeed while pregnant.”
“You’re taking nutrients away from your unborn baby if you breastfeed while pregnant.”
Let’s dive into the facts (aka… research):
Myth 1: Your Milk Goes Bad When You’re Pregnant
When you become pregnant, your breastmilk does change. You may notice that your breastfeeding baby suddenly goes wide-eyed after latching, curiously looks at your boob, questions your milk, makes a face, or even says “yucky” (speaking from experience here).
Generally, mature milk is sweet and rich in milk sugars and higher milk fat concentration. However, during pregnancy, your milk composition begins to shift. Milk in the first two months of pregnancy (yes, your body is prepping early) is higher in protein, sodium, and chloride, while milk sugars and potassium are lower, making it taste more… salty.
But here’s the thing: your breastmilk is customized on-demand to your nursling’s growing needs. We’ll get into tandem feeding in another article...
Debunked:
Your milk hasn’t gone bad; it’s just a little saltier than mature milk.
Myth 2: You’ll Go into Early Labour if You Breastfeed While Pregnant
Oxytocin is the feel-good/love hormone that’s released during breastfeeding, helping mom to relax and the milk to flow. Oxytocin also helps the uterus contract back to normal size after birth. The concern is that breastfeeding-induced oxytocin could cause uterine contractions and lead to early labour.
However, there’s much more at work here than just oxytocin. If it were all about oxytocin, pregnant moms would also need to avoid foods like eggs, bananas, salmon, nuts, beans, and legumes, all of which promote oxytocin release. But we know these foods are recommended for pregnant moms.
Similarly, activities like sex, physical exercise, and pelvic floor exercises also increase uterine contractions, but these are not discouraged—in fact, they’re often promoted, especially pelvic floor exercises.
Debunked:
The amount of oxytocin released during breastfeeding won’t induce uterine contractions because pregnancy hormones block its effects until you’re at term. So, enjoy breastfeeding, bananas, bending over, and building strong muscles!
Myth 3: You’re Taking Nutrients Away from the Unborn Baby
This one’s a little trickier. Breastfeeding involves using nutrients from the mother’s body to feed, nourish, and help the baby grow. Pregnancy does the same. The one who’s most depleted at the end of the day is Mama.
It takes a tremendous amount of energy to build a tiny human during pregnancy, and your nutrient needs—especially protein—are even higher during breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding while pregnant, maintaining a high-protein, high-fat diet is crucial. No, I’m not saying go full keto or carnivore diet. But you’ve got to increase healthy fats and high-quality proteins to replenish your body.
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Healthy fats
are essential for both baby and mama to develop and maintain a healthy nervous system and hormones. If you’re feeling frazzled by hormonal swings, eat more fat!
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Protein
is required to repair, build, and rebuild tissues, benefiting both the recovering mom and the growing baby.
Debunked:
Your body will prioritize nutrients for your baby and your breastmilk. Without high-quality foods replenishing your stores, you’re the one who will feel the nutrient loss.
Important Side Note:
If you’re pregnant and your doctor has advised you to avoid exercise, or sexual activity, or if you’re at risk for pre-term labour, consult with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you’re concerned about breastfeeding or pumping while pregnant.
Share Your Story
Did you breastfeed while pregnant? Let us know your experience!
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Freeze-drying your breastmilk can help you prepare for baby #2! Have a stash saved for your hospital bag to take with you as back up, just in case your breastfeeding journey doesn't go as expected right off the bat.
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Resources:
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Literature
