Pregnant and breastfeeding ??

[CountryGal0603]

Hi all!

I found out yesterday I am pregnant, around 5 weeks and aware of time of conception as was the only time we were able to DTD as hubby was away all month except one weekend.

I have absolutely no signs whatsoever except thrush! Not sure a symptom and could be coincidental but haven’t had for 5+ years. Did not have thrush in any of my 3 previous pregnancies.

I’ve been wondering whether breastfeeding can affect the viability of the pregnancy? As it reduces certain hormones which are needed to maintain a healthy pregnancy (progesterone and estrogen). LO is 18 months so I can stop if needed but due to dairy intolerance I continued.

really worried as by now with my other 3 I had loads of symptoms… probably overthinking though!

TIA

I was still bfing my first when I fell pregnant with my second, no issues at all and when I asked if I should stop at my booking appointment was told no need to. My toddler sort of naturally weaned by about 6 months pregnant but it had no impact at all on my second pregnancy x

What are you worried about specifically? Loads of women are pregnant while feeding an older child. I was actively ttc while still feeding my nearly 3 year old, she self weaned when I was about 20 weeks but my midwife and consultant never suggested stopping. I kept waiting for my milk to stop but I’m not sure if or when it would have happened. My only pregnancy symptom with my second was complete bone numbing exhaustion, I was gardening, came inside and immediately fell asleep. I never had any breast pain as I’d had previously, probably because I was feeding.

No there is no connection. Being pregnant and breastfeeding at the same time has been normal for our species for all time. You can stop if you want to but there’s no need to.

I know a couple women who became pregnant (within three months of giving birth) while breastfeeding and their kids are now 26 and 24! So obviously no issues….

Anecdotal but my son was 9 mo when I fell pregnant with my daughter, midwife told my my supply might dip but I didn't notice any difference.

Attempted tandem feeding with them after dd was born, but I found it really tricky so I weaned DS at 18mo again it made no difference to my supply.

I breastfed through the whole of my second pregnancy and then tandem fed. It's relatively uncommon in our society but not unusual in global terms.
From what I recall, women who have had miscarriages previously are advised to stop breastfeeding but even then there isn't a massive amount of evidence one way or the other. But if you have an otherwise straightforward pregnancy there is no reason to wean. What you might find though is that either you, your baby or both of you go off breastfeeding. The hormone changes work the other way really - increasing oestrogen reduces milk supply, very suddenly and dramatically for some women and more gradually for others, but the majority will have a significant drop in supply by the middle of their pregnancy. That, and changing flavour leads to quite a lot of babies self weaning. My DS wasn't bothered but quite often older babies don't like it when colostrum comes in. Also its not uncommon for mothers to develop breastfeeding aversion or just find it too uncomfortable or exhausting.
So whilst there is usually no medical need to stop, you may prefer to, or your baby may make the decision for you.

Thank you all for the replies, my main concern was wondering if breastfeeding could affect miscarriage rates due to the hormones. Admittedly, I’m probably overthinking due to the lack of symptoms. Still very early though so could be due to that but you’re absolutely right, many women do successfully tandem feed. I just haven’t heard of anyone I know doing so.

appreciate the replies and for easing my worrries x

Sounds like me and you are in very similar situations. DC2 has just turned 2 and I've found out I'm expecting our 3rd - complete surprise as our other kids took a while to conceive and this was a one time 'ops' moment whilst still breastfeeding. DC2 still breastfeeds mainly at night. I'm only around 5 weeks too and a bit anxious but everything ive read says it's totally fine. It's more likely to possibly reduce your chances of conception from what I can tell but if you're already pregnant it should be fine. That being said I am trying to wean DC2 now as I don't really want to tandem feed.