Lots of mothers breastfeed successfully during pregnancy. But you may notice some changes. These are normal.
Breast milk supply
Your milk supply will drop if you breastfeed during pregnancy. This is because pregnancy hormones cause you to produce less milk.
Your milk supply will not stop completely. But you may notice it drop more in the fourth and fifth month of pregnancy.
Nipple pain
Nipple pain is a common side effect of the hormonal changes of pregnancy. You may need to change feeding patterns for your own comfort.
As your milk changes
Your breast milk’s taste can change later on in pregnancy. Your milk will also turn into colostrum. This happens towards the time of birth.
Older babies may notice a change in the taste. They may wean at that point. But they also may want to try feeding again after the new baby arrives. This is known as tandem feeding.
Your older child will not deprive your newborn of colostrum by feeding during pregnancy.
The increased amount of hormones in your breast milk are completely safe for your breastfeeding child.
Concern about your breast milk supply
Tandem breastfeeding
This is when you breastfeed your newborn and your older child. When tandem feeding, give your newborn baby first preference with feeds.
Your older child may have stopped breastfeeding, but suddenly want to feed a lot after the new baby's arrival. Try to tell them that they can still feed, but your new baby needs more feeding as they are very small.
As your new baby grows, you may be able to feed both children at the same time.
This can be a very confusing time for your older child. If you explain what is happening, they will find the changes easier. The extra feeding they will want to do at first is often short lived.
Continuing to feed after the new baby is born may make it easier for your older child to adapt emotionally.
Taking care of yourself
It is important to take good care of yourself. Eat well and rest whenever you can. This is not always easy when you have a young child, so ask for help from friends and family.
Looking after your mental health
Get support
Attending a breastfeeding support group can be an enjoyable way to talk with other mothers. Some may be able to give advice about breastfeeding through pregnancy.
Find your local breastfeeding support group