Dr. Doesn't Support My Nursing Baby Through New Pregnancy. Any Advice?

Get a 2nd opinion, talk to a lactation consultant. He may be being over-cautious which is fine, but if there is no reason to stop other than "just in case", I would continue. I would be open, if he presented symptoms, etc. that you should stop, then yes, but otherwise, keep going.

If you are prone to preterm labor then I would consider it. Otherwise there is no reason you have to stop. It's really an outdated idea that many doctors still have.

This sounds like a straightforward case for a second opinion. Ask around for a BF-friendly doctor, and put the question to him/her. If you get the same answer twice over, it's probably best to follow medical advice. If not, maybe the new doctor would be a better fit for you.

Yeah, I'm sure those years in medical school, residency and then specializing in obstetrics doesn't make him an expert or anything....

I nursed all the way through my second pregnancy. I switched doctors at 16 weeks and never mentioned the nursing to either doctor until my 38th week. My OB (who was AWFUL) said that "if she had known, she would have made me stop, but it was OK since I was so far along now." Um, guess what, you don't make me do anything... It is true that nursing can cause contractions. So, if you are at risk for pre-term labor or otherwise have a high-risk pregnancy there may be a reason to stop. I did not have any problems at all. The contractions got uncomfortable partway through my third trimester but never caused any concerns. My second was born nearly two weeks late, so no, nursing does not necessarily cause pre-term labor!!

ETA: I am a huge nerd and did a LOT of research (in real journals like JAMA not just online) on a few of the unique aspects of my second pregnancy. I found that I became much more educated on certain topics than my OB. She had a line that she was fed at some point by a professor, and she was sticking to it. Not all OBs stay on top of the latest research. In fact, many of them do not have TIME to stay on top of the latest research! I was actually giving my OB the proper figures for "normal" versus "elevated" fluid levels, because she just didn't deal with many patients with high fluid levels. Your doc is very likely repeating the "party line" on breastfeeding during pregnancy. A medical degree does not mean that he knows all, particularly when educated professionals can disagree.

ETA2: Tandem nursing actually turned into a big benefit for my second son. My milk was all ready to go when he was born! He never lost any weight, and he had over 9 lbs to maintain. My first son tandem nursed for a few days after we got home. Then he just said "that's for the baby now" and stopped. No drama. No fighting over the boob and resentment. Certainly no ill effects to my second son. It drives me nuts when people jump right to "but if you don't do everything the doctor says, YOUR BABY WILL DIE AND IT WILL BE ALL YOUR FAULT!!!" Part of parenting is making choices for our children, not outsourcing those choices to someone who just happened to be able to get through med school.

I always hate to contradict someone's medical professional because I don't know your entire medical history, but I think you should get a second opinion on this, perhaps from a midwife who is knowledgeable in this area.

When it comes to breastfeeding, I have great trust in the kellymom.com site. Here are two links to articles from the site:
http://kellymom.com/pregnancy/bf-preg/bfpregnancy_safety/

http://kellymom.com/pregnancy/bf-preg/02miscarriage/

Women have been nursing through pregnancy since the beginning of time. Our bodies were designed for this. Keep going as long as you want to - my 3rd child weaned himself at about 5 months in (he was 18 months old at that point) but I would have nursed him all the way through if he was younger and still interested. Your milk flavor may change and some babies don't like that so they self-wean,

It sounds like you are healthy, well informed, listen to your body, and have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies. I see no reason to recommend that you stop.

Personally, I have not simultaneously nursed while being pregnant.....

However, I have had many girlfriends who gave it a go...and everyone of them regretted it.

The reason nursing pregnant mommies are prone to preterm delivery is something you are already know: that nursing stimulates the uterus. If you are comfortable with having a preemie, than don't consider your OB's years of medical training and expertise.

Now, the reason my GF's have regretted not weaning their babies while pregnant, or waiting too long into the pregnancy to wean, is that when the new baby arrives, the older baby has not forgotten and wants to get back in on the action, and the mom has a hard time saying no, so now she's nursing two babies and the older baby, being far more experienced depletes her of her much needed milk for the new baby and the mom is tired, exhausted, not producing enough milk for two babies, and the new baby is crying all the time because they aren't getting the fore milk, and it's a lactation nightmare triangle...

Just my 2 cents from hearing real stories from moms who tried it.

I guess I have a different opinion, after dealing with a pre-term situation. The only risk factor I had with my first was that I was carrying twins. I was healthy, early 30s, ate well, exercised lightly and avoided stress. My little guys were born at 28 weeks and spent 8 weeks in the NICU. I share this not to scare anyone, but to provide background. If I could go back and take the safer route to give my angels (now doing quite well and thankful for God's blessings) more time in the womb, I would.

I am no expert, but as I understand it, lactation does change your body chemistry and hormones. It also impacts the nutrition that the baby in your womb is getting. If these things are impacted enough, and if you have any other risk factors (age, stress, activity level) then your body could jump into protection mode.

I am pro-nursing, (even with preemie twins ;) but even I have read enough to understand that the main benefits are within the first six months. Yes, each additional month is helpful but decreasingly so. Many doctors are going to err on the side of caution, but you (and hubby) are the one who has to weigh the benefit to baby number three with whatever risk you identify to baby number four.

Hope this helps~

Congratulations! I would encourage you to consider a more mother friendly care provider - like a midwife! I am sure that you are attached to your OB since you have been seeing him/her so regularly the past few years but suggesting that you quit nursing when you are having a healthy pregnancy is not mother friendly or baby friendly (to your 8 month old). As I am sure you know, it is best to nurse for a year and that means 4 more months. There is so much evidence on how much nursing impacts your child later in life - but surely you know that already.

I would suggest you read some of what is said about tandem nursing on the kellymom website: http://kellymom.com/category/pregnancy/bf-preg/

If your OB is not supportive, please at least interview a midwife. Keep in mind that OBs are not lactation consultants and generally know very little about nursing. Plus, he is a man so I doubt he has nursed himself:) Really, really second the others about seeking out a midwife so that you can be on the same page as your care provider.

Cheers,
C.

I would get a second opinion. I have several friends who have nursed through a pregnancy, and all of their doctors were very supportive. It sounds to me like you may have a relic there.

These aren't his "wishes", this is his recommendation based on what he knows... which is likely more accurate than what you are going to read on a Facebook site or from a parenting website.

Here's my thought on the topic... he didn't say "stop cold turkey right now", he suggested that you start weaning your baby over the next month. By then she will be nine months old. Is the risk truly worth three months of breastfeeding? You'll have plenty of people say that they did it and were fine and you'll have those who will tell you about the challenges, but in all reality statistics mean very little to an individual. Decide what feels right for you. If it's worth the risk to you for your reasons, then continue. If it's not, then stop.

For what it's worth, your life will be easier if you transition your baby off of nursing before the newborn arrives, well before then. You do NOT want her to associate the loss of breastfeeding with the new baby. I assure you that at 1, she will be quite protective of you and aggressive towards those taking your attention away from her. You don't want a ticked off toddler around a newborn.

I nursed through pregnancy and had no issues or problems at all. If you are not a high risk pregnancy and not having issues then there is no reason to stop if you do not want to.
Your doctor will advise you for worst case scenario so you don't sue them. It's the honest truth. It's not based on anything else but self preservation and being ill informed.
There are cases where you should stop, yes. But not all cases.
I recommend the book "Adventures in Tandem Nursing" http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Tandem-Nursing-Breastfee...
It has a ton of information and was a life saver for me.
Also, as suggested already, The Leaky Boob http://theleakyboob.com/ is a great site with very helpful people. Also The La Leche League http://www.llli.org/ and Kellymom http://kellymom.com/ are fantastic and have a lot of information.
Do what you feel is right and what is comfortable for you. Don't let your doctor bully you.

I think your doctor is being cautious.
I'm guessing you haven't been pregnant while nursing before so you can't be certain about how your body will react.
Also, as a mom who nursed both of my babies, I would be concerned about getting into a situation where the older baby would be in competition for the boob with the newborn.
The newborn comes first.

Your newborn needs the colostrum you produce before your milk actually comes in. If you're actively nursing beyond a certain point, does your body have a chance to produce that?

I'm no expert. I would follow your doctor's advice because I believe that the child in your womb is completely helpless and deserves the very best start, just as your other babies were afforded.

Call the OB department at the hospital you plan to give birth at and ask them for a referral to a lactation specialist. I used to work in the OB department at a hospital and those women are awesome!
They're obviously pro-breastfeeding and they know how women's bodies work. They will help you take into consideration that you're growing a new life that you have to nurture while currently nursing an 8 month old.

I think it would be worth it to ask their advice.

Your 8 month old has been given the very best start. Your doctor has suggested you begin weaning. I don't think that's a crazy suggestion at all, but I've never been in your shoes.

Like I said, you need to prepare your 8 month old for the addition of the new baby in more ways than one. It won't be easy juggling two babies, but when it comes to nursing, the newborn has to come first.

Just my opinion and best wishes.

You are so smart to ask this question! Just because a person is a doctor doesn't make them an expert on the entire medical and health field. Some doctors have very limited experience in different areas (no offense to them, they are just human!) and as responsible, aware individuals, it's our responsibility to educate ourselves and ask questions, and even, *gasp*, disagree!

Get a second opinion. I know some women who had success with nursing through a pregnancy, and I know that it's a widely accepted practice.

Congrats on your growing family! :)

I wouldn't stay with a Dr who didn't support my goals for my baby.

So if you think **A** is the right thing to do, and Dr thinks **B** is the right thing to do.... it tells me you have the wrong Dr.

As you try to find someone who supports your view you can get a good sense of why the Drs are telling you what they are saying.

You will either find another qualified professional who will support you.

Or you will realize that the medical professionals all say the same thing - for a reason. Then you will have to decide what you are going to do.

Do a risk analysis.

which is MORE important?
Continuing to b'feed baby #3? Or nourishing baby #4?
Baby #3 can thrive with formula. Baby #4 CAN'T LIVE if you start contracting NOW and possibly miscarry. And will be in danger if you go into pre-term labor or if your energy is zapped because you are b'feeding at the same time you are trying to build nourishment.

I would talk to him about the research you've done and see what he says. If there's nothing specific TO YOU that would require it, I'd find an OB that supports it. Many women nurse through pregnancy and tandem nurse afterward. Unless there was a physical issue with me specifically, I would try to nurse baby #1 while carrying baby #2 myself if I had the opportunity.

I'm on the doc side. Here is the thing, the breast and the uterus are connected....... The sucking action on the breast will make the uterus contract. That is why it is so great if you can breast feed after your baby is born, b/c it's good for the baby and the mother. Your 8 month old has got a great start already. Give the one your carrying all the resources from you body. If you listen to your Doc what is the worst thing that could happen? If you don't listen to the Doc what could the consquences be. Why wait to see if the complications come, when you could avoid them. Im happy that your 3 pregancy came out good,but you have to consider each pregancy there was only one baby involved. I too got pregant while using birth control, it happens. Now we use 2 methods of birth control. Take care

I'm looking at your name, and it's Runnermomof2. So you're a runner. That means you don't have any extra reserves, and probably not much body fat. I think that you really need to listen to your doctor. Your fetus will either take from you SO much that it harms your body, OR you won't have enough for your fetus to get what it needs, and your fetus will not be healthy enough. Either scenario is bad. If it's the first scenario, ending up in pre-term labor is a real possibility. I was in bed on strict bedrest at 24 weeks until my baby was born because of pre-term labor, and I was LUCKY. You just don't get to control if that baby comes or not, mom. Months of your baby being in the NICU, just because you didn't want to stop nursing another child? I'm sorry, but that's just wrong. You OWE the child you are carrying as much care and nutrition as you gave that first baby you carried.

You mention that this pregnancy is going smoothly. So was mine before BOOM, I was contracting. It was so fast that I could hardly get my head around it. Do not assume that a smooth pregnancy means no pre-term labor, because it doesn't.

The second scenario is something that you wouldn't necessarily know for years to come, or obvious problems. Special needs, physical or mental - not enough protein for the fetus during brain development, neural tube issues, etc.

It's not worth it. Reserve your breastfeeding for the child you are carrying. He or she deserves it.

My daughters are 15 months apart. I nursed my first throughout my pregnancy. The only issue I had was that my milk supply did decrease dramatically at the end of my pregnancy. My doctor never suggested that I stop nursing during pregnancy. My understanding is that if you are having a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy there should not be any problems.

You trust your doctor, right? If not, find a new doctor. If you do, why wouldn't you follow his advice?

He didn't say it WOULD definately cause preterm labor but rather it puts you at greater risk for preterm later. Once it's happens, it's too late to undo it...err on the side of caution.

If it were me, I'd listen to the doctor. This isn't some backwoods story he is making up- there is medical evidence that nursing during pregnancy can cause preterm delivery. Why would you want to chance it? With your 8 mo old eating more solids, you'll be cutting back more and more on nursing anyway.

I think the thing you need to look at is you didn't nurse during your other pregnancies so you don't actually know if it will cause preterm labor in you.

Is it really worth the risk?

I suggest to get on The Leaky B@@b, its a nursing support group on Facebook. There is a ton of good information about tandem nursing and nursing through pregnancy. My personal opinion is listen to your body. If it starts becoming extremely painful and uncomfortable for you, you may want to stop. If it doesnt bother you, continue. It is your doctors job to provide you with information, but your job to decide whats best for your babies. Just be sure you are prepared to nurse a toddler and newborn at the same time :) Also, be sure to drink a TON of water, and add extra calories, like 500 a day at least. Women in all other cultures nurse their babies until 2-5 years of age, that includes through pregnancy. If they can do it, you can! Congrats and nurse on!

Well, get a second opinion. But I'd stop, personally. Nipple stimulation is one of the most commonly recommended natural ways of starting labor. Weighing the possibility of preterm labor vs. any negative effects that might happen vs. any potential harm that might come from nursing for less than a year, I'd go with stopping nursing early. Many babies are never nursed at all. The recommendation had been 6 months. Then a year. Nine months is pretty good, when it's all said and done. You can also pump and freeze for the next month and maybe get some extra time from that.

I get that you want to provide what's best for your babies...both born and unborn. But it seems to me like you should listen to the doctor.
He definitely knows more than you do, and I don't think he'd make a suggestion like that arbitrarily.
I don't think it's worth taking the risk just for a few more months of breast milk.
Pump and save what you can by your cut off, and then focus on the pregnancy. Better safe than sorry.

My Aunt Breastfed her first daughter when she was prego with her 2ed one. Her girls are 18 months apart. My aunts OBGYN encouraged her and said as long as you are comfortable then keep nursing. She did up until she was 8 months prego. she only stopped them because every time she would nurse The babies would start kicking each other and she had bruise from the inside out. so she pumped after that until the new baby was born, and her milk never dried up.

From what I know...

Breast stimulation (nursing) causes the uterus to contract. These contractions can become "those" contractions as in labor contractions.

Then again, just because they "can" be come labor, there is no promise that they will, but also no promise that they won't.

I think your doc is being cautions since with the number of pregnancies you've had have more then likely "loosened" your uterus.

At 8 months you can cut back and there is a risk that you know "might" happen. Why not be on the safe side?

Just my thoughts.

You can find a lot of support for nursing through pregnancy on the La Leche League website and Kellymom.com. Obstetricians vary wildly in opinions and prejudices. Many are very old school and haven't kept up with the latest research on breast feeding. However, I was still nursing my 18 month old when I got pregnant again, and I weaned by 20 months because it got soo uncomfortable! If it were me, I would try to go on nursing until baby was as close to one as possible and then be glad to have my nipples to myself for a short while.

I know several women who nursed through their pregnancies with support of their doctors. I also know a couple babies that self weaned when the milk turned to colostrum near the end. Maybe get a second opinion. You could contact a lactation consultant at your hospital who has been extensively trained in many different situations involving breastfeeding. Many doctors are not trained much regarding breastfeeding so yours may not be truly knowledgeable. I just had a doctor tell me to wean my son because I will be having surgery, and he was concerned that anaesthesia and pain medication will hurt my son. I contacted a lactation consultant who put me in touch with an anesthesiologist who told me that as soon as I am awake breastfeeding is safe. He also pointed out that I can use the same pain medication as after a cesarean. My surgeon was trying to do what he felt was best but didn't have accurate information. You obviously want what is best for both of your babies. A second opinion can't hurt.

He's a Doctor, and as such, as a Doctor, he has to notify you of any concerns while nursing while pregnant. If he did not, he would be liable, for anything that happened to your pregnancy/miscarriages etc.
So he has to inform you, of these things.

Now when I was pregnant once, I was still nursing my firstborn.
At 6 weeks, I had a miscarriage.
Don't know why, but the embryo was not growing/progressing properly and then there was no heartbeat and I was bleeding.
My Doc, did tell me that I should consider... to stop nursing while pregnant due to the factors that your Doctor, told you.
I, was perfectly healthy and did not have any previous preterm risks or anything. But I had a miscarriage.
I then went on to have my son.

It is up to you, if you stop nursing or not.
Don't take it personally, what your Doctor told you, about nursing while pregnant. He is a Doctor and as I said, he has to, inform you of all scenarios. Since these things may happen or may be a complication in a current pregnancy.

That's one of the risks of getting pregnant with one already on the tit. Of course, it's your call how you want to handle this. If the pregnancy does not survive or there are complications, so be it. You'll know for next time.

(This is not meant to be harsh. It just really is a case of "it is what it is", and you'll learn what works for you as you go. Women have been doing this for years, and either the fetus survives or it doesn't, for whatever set of reasons.)

Hmmhhmmii. I am all for getting a second opinion and continuing. I'm not sure I would go past the third trimester, due to risks and just plain not being comfortable. But if u are healthy it seems like it would be ok.

That's a bunch of bunk. I nursed through my last pregnancy and then tandem nursed two children for a year. If you are healthy with a low risk pregnancy and are willing to eat more calories to sustain this choice, go for it. As far as you being a runner, yes, you will have to eat calorie and nutrient dense foods and you may have to put on a few more pounds than you are used to to protect your health. Check out the links posted below and congrats on your upcoming birth!

I could be wrong, but I have heard of (possibly in the wrong context). That nursing, or trying to pump can induce early labor. If that is true, I can see why theirs is caution in going forward. Something to look into.

Runner:

Has this doctor seen you through all of your pregnancies or just this one?

You are 4 months along and want to stop at 7 months with this one - get the youngest to a year, correct?

Does your doctor want you to quit entirely or just cut back to two to three feedings a day? If he has seen you through all 4 and depending up on your age? I might get a tad bit more information to find out WHY he feels this way...not just the pre-term labor...previous pregnancies have delivered at 39 weeks - which is considered full term.

Has your milk production slowed since you got pregnant?
Do YOU feel good?
Have you had your blood glucose checked to ensure that you are not going to have gestational diabetes?

I guess I have more questions than answers. I would tend to follow the doctors advice, however, I would really get "down and dirty" (nicely!!) with him to get more information - is there something he is not telling me, does he not feel I am safe...etc.

Good luck!!

The main thing is to keep yourself nourished. Adding a nutrient dense prenatal protein powder like Mamalicious (MyMamalicious.com) to your daily regimen would provide needed nutrition without adding a ton of empty, fattening calories. I nursed my little girl until my baby boy was born...no problems. She even continued to nurse after he had no interest in breastfeeding! Go figure.