I'm pregnant, do I have to wean my 16 month old?

QUESTION: I have recently found out that I am pregnant. My daughter is an avid nurser and I was told by my doctor that I had to wean her but I fear she is not at all ready. Where could I find info on the risks of continuing to nurse and what have you seen in your experience.

Dear Stephanie,

Let me assure you that women have tandem-nursed (the term used for nursing two children of different ages) throughout history. I personally know of many women who have done this, and I have read and researched breastfeeding while pregnant for the past 15 years. Here is some information from La Leche League's 1997 Edition "The Breastfeeding Answer Book:"

There is no documented danger to mother or fetus when mothers breastfeed through a healthy pregnancy. Although uterine contractions are experienced during breastfeeding, they are a normal part of pregnancy...... A well-nourished mother should have no difficulty providing for both the unborn baby and the nursing child if he is more than a year old. But it is important for her to gain weight at the appropriate rate and eat nutritious foods, as well as get sufficient rest. For some mothers, it may be necessary to consume extra calories while breastfeeding during pregnancy. Some others take extra vitamin supplements as a precaution.

Stephanie, I would encourage you to get in touch with La Leche League (For a local group, call 1-800-LALECHE, For ordering a catalog, call 1-847-519-7730). They publish a little booklet entitled, "Nursing Two: Is is For You?" Also, their book "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" has a discussion on tandem nursing. One last thing, unless you are just very happy with your current doctor, you may want to set up an appointment with several different OB's for a consultation. Some are more knowledgeable than others concerning breastfeeding during pregnancy. If would also be helpful to get some of the information to him/her. Most doctors are educated about breastfeeding through their patients.

Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL

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