Breast, Baby and Belly

People you know may be surprised if you decide to breastfeed during a pregnancy or even fear that it is dangerous. However, there is no documented danger to the mother or fetus when mothers breastfeed during a healthy pregnancy.

Joan Fisher, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in Ottawa, Ont., points out that uterine contractions, which are experienced during breastfeeding and sexual activity, are a normal part of pregnancy. She does caution, however, that if a mother has a history of premature delivery or is experiencing uterine pain or continued weight loss, then weaning should be considered.

Kristen Berggren of Burlington, Vt., is nursing her 19-month-old son and expecting her second child in late June. She plans to nurse as long as her son is interested. "I kind of hope that he keeps nursing because I've heard that tandem nursing is a great way for the toddler to bond with the new baby and feel less rivalry," she says.

Angela Imming of St. Louis, Mo., almost gave up nursing her 14-month-old daughter due to the extreme fatigue that she felt in early pregnancy. "But I was soon over that, and my daughter was so interested that I couldn't bear to wean," says Imming, who is pregnant with her third child. She also kept nursing because studies show that breastfeeding through the second year provides health benefits to the child.

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