I know nobody has posted in here for a while but just wondering if there is anybody out there nursing and pregnant?
We've just discovered we're pregnant with number 4. Complete shock, guessing I'm about 10 weeks on already! Currently nursing our youngest who is almost 9 months.
He's been really fussy on the breast for weeks now pulling off and on regularly, making my nipples sore. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to make sure this isn't the end of his breastfeeding journey? My daughter self-weaned the same time I fell pregnant with my youngest when she was 19 months. Would feel so sad if this pregnancy causes my 8 month old to stop!
Hi! Congratulations! H&H 9 months to you!!!
I am not currently nursing or pregnant, but I nursed my daughter throughout my pregnancy with my son, and went on to tandem them for the next four months (until my daughter self weaned). So, YES it is possible to continue to nurse your baby.
To be honest though, I do know that it doesn't work out for a lot of people, even if they really want to. Your milk can change taste (which some babies don't mind, but some babies don't like) and you can potentially dry up. Some babies don't mind if you dry up, and will still continue to dry nurse. Others will wean at that point. It's really going to be up to your baby - there's really not much you can do other than continue to offer the breast.
I understand your struggle with potentially weaning early, as my son went on strike at 13 months, and I was never able to coax him back to the breast. I continued to pump until he was about 18 months, but finally had to let it go. It was rough, especially when my daughter nursed until she was 3 years & 2 months old before she self weaned. I never expected him to stop so soon.
Oh, and as for the painful nipples YES!!!! Breastfeeding through pregnancy is pretty painful. Some women go through nursing aversions too. But if you really want it to work out, and your baby is willing, you can do this. Best of luck to you!