Breastfeeding is a ravishing journey crammed with many joys and challenges the place breastfeeding strengthens the bond between the mom and the infant and it’s a very emotional and delicate bond however what occurs if mom is anticipating a second child whereas breastfeeding? Many moms throughout this stage get into the stage of the dilemma of weaning the primary child and carrying on with the second pregnancy or persevering with breastfeeding whereas pregnant.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Asha Kumari, Consultant-Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Daffodils By Artemis in Jaipur, defined, “The relationship between breastfeeding and fertility is complex, and several factors are to be considered. Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation due to the release of the hormone prolactin, which inhibits ovulation. This phase, known as lactational amenorrhea, provides some contraceptive protection. The effectiveness of lactational amenorrhea as contraception depends on breastfeeding frequency and intensity.”

She elaborated, “Exclusive breastfeeding, feeding at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, can offer better protection. Supplementing with formula or introducing solid foods can reduce this protection. Every woman’s body responds differently to breastfeeding. Some may experience a longer delay in ovulation, while others might resume ovulating sooner. Monitoring changes in cervical mucus and tracking basal body temperature can help in providing insights into ovulation patterns. As breastfeeding frequency decreases and weaning begins, the probability of ovulation happening increases. Women can also ovulate before their first postpartum period. Contraceptive methods should be discussed as breastfeeding patterns change.”

Dr Asha Kumari advised, “To prevent an unplanned pregnancy while breastfeeding, considering contraceptive methods is crucial. It’s advised to consult with a gynecologist to discuss the best contraceptive option based on individual health, breastfeeding habits, and future family planning goals. Pregnancy while breastfeeding is possible but can be managed through careful consideration of breastfeeding patterns, contraception methods, and individual variability. Seeking guidance from a gynecologist ensures making a well-informed decision that aligns with your reproductive health goals.”

Dr Deepika M Pahwa (PT), Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Womens Health Physiotherapist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Gurgaon, mentioned, “It’s an emotional decision for a mother but she needs the right guidance for the same. Yes, a mother can breastfeed the first baby while being pregnant with the second baby except in medically complicated cases.”

Benefits of Breastfeeding While Pregnant:

Dr Deepika M Pahwa highlighted the next ideas for profitable breastfeeding throughout being pregnant –

1. Continued Nutritional help: Breast milk stays an awesome supply of vitamin to your older child or toddler, even if you end up pregnant. It comprises important vitamins, immunoglobulins, and lots of different parts that may assist your older child’s bodily and psychological growth.

2. Trust and emotional bonding: Mother and child share a powerful emotional bond. Baby feels safe with Mother as its dwelling for the infant. If a mom decides to proceed breastfeeding together with being pregnant that is simple for Mother and child to promote by this strategy of change and transition or else sudden weaning may have an effect on the infant’s emotional and psychological well being.

3. Cost efficient: Continuing breastfeeding toddler whereas pregnant reduces price of components or different dietary supplements too.

Challenges:

Dr Deepika M Pahwa cautioned –

1. Decision making: It’s a private alternative as a result of in being pregnant there are bodily and emotional discomforts that mom has to bear together with feeding her older baby. As Mother is on this dilemma whether or not to proceed breastfeeding or not, she requires assist from well being care suppliers, and lactation consultants to make sure it is secure and wholesome for each Mother and child. Usually, in most pregnancies it’s thought-about secure to breastfeed an older baby however generally medical problems are there so it’s a should to contain your healthcare supplier to make any resolution on whether or not to proceed breastfeeding or not.

2.Nutrition wants: Breastfeeding the primary baby and carrying a child, in each instances Mother wants a well-balanced eating regimen. The mom ought to seek the advice of a well being care supplier to offer a eating regimen that’s adequate for the Mother when it comes to energy in addition to vitamin as she is managing three lives i.e., the Mother herself, the older child, and the fetus inside.

3. Milk provide and its composition: As being pregnant progresses, there are many hormonal modifications which could have an effect on milk provide or its composition, style, or may in no way have an effect on any of those. So, it is completely different with every mom and child, some infants may wean off naturally as there may be lowered provide or change in style. Some infants proceed breastfeeding with low provide additionally only for consolation and that emotional bonding.

4. False contractions: Some moms may expertise false uterine contractions whereas breastfeeding throughout being pregnant. Usually, these contractions are secure but when Mother observes any sturdy, frequent contractions then seek the advice of a healthcare supplier with none delay.

5.Breast modifications: Many hormonal and bodily modifications are taking place in Mother’s physique which impacts Mother in some ways. Nausea, vomiting, tender breast, and tiredness may have an effect on the mom and she or he may begin feeling breastfeeding aversion and she or he may not wish to feed her older child. She ought to talk with the older baby about all these overtly because it’s essential to take heed to your personal physique.

Dr Deepika M Pahwa added, “Mother would be providing nourishment and love to her older child and fetus too, this will be a unique, challenging and satisfactory experience. Yes, it might be a difficult journey but a woman is so strong that she can sail through this with confidence if she gets the right information and support from family, friends, lactation consultants, health care providers and from mothers who have fed their baby during pregnancy. She can be part of many breastfeeding groups at hospitals or on social media. Nowadays many breastfeeding helplines are also available which provide immense breastfeeding support.”

Khyati Choudhary, Founder of MyBirthSquad and LCCE, Lactation Expert, mentioned, “It is true that you can get pregnant while breastfeeding. As per the WHO Recommendations for Breastfeeding, newborn baby must be exclusively breastfed for 6 months and ideally every mother should try and continue breastfeeding after 6 months for next two years along with the complementary food. For the initial 6 months the baby should be exclusively breastfed at least 8 to 10 times in 24 hours. This is referred to as an effective birth control method for 6 months if exclusive breastfeeding is done. This will not let ovulation happen hence, when there is no egg then no fertilization therefore chances of getting pregnant decreases but if not done exclusively and formula feed is also being given to the baby then chances of getting pregnant increases. This makes you ovulate before you get your periods. Until you get your first periods and then miss the next one then only you get to know that you’re pregnant again.”

She concluded, “For breastfeeding and pregnancy, the call must be taken by your gynecologist. If the pregnancy is a healthy one, then we can continue but if there is a history of miscarriages or some complications then breastfeeding will not be recommended. As the Hormone Oxytocin that helps in milk letdown during breastfeeding can induce labor in the form of uterine contractions when you are pregnant. Therefore, we really must see how long the pregnant mother can continue breastfeeding while being pregnant. It’s better to go for other forms of birth control methods if not doing exclusive breastfeeding and feeding a baby post 6 months.”