Weaning #1 because of BFP?

raeface

Hello, I just got a BFP and it looks like we are on our way to 2u2! This one is a happy surprise but I am still nursing DD (she will be 1 next week). I called the OB today to schedule an appointment and they told me that I need to stop breast feeding DD asap. I know the drop one feeding deal but they made is seem like I need to stop right now. 

Has anyone had to go through this? How quickly did you wean? Has anyone continued to breast feed while pg? Advice?

TIA 

NavyPilotWife

I'm really amazed at how dumb OBs are, when it comes to BF. I got my BFP, when DD was 9 months old and continued to nurse her until she was 12 months old. I think I was around 18 weeks pregnant, when I weaned her. I had pre-term labor with DD1, so I did want to wean her by the time I was 20 weeks pg with #2. As long as you don't have any complications (or history of complications), you could BF your entire pregnancy. Kellymom has some articles on nursing while pregnant and tandem nursing.

mothling

I got pregnant when DS was 7 months old and my MW recommended that I wean him. I really didn't want to and tried to keep BF, but my supply dropped like crazy. I started losing weight and DS started waking every 2-3 hours at night to eat because he wasn't getting enough during the day.

I gradually dropped feedings and had him totally weaned at 9 months within about 2 weeks. 

I have heard of people BFing throughout their pregnancy with no problems. My sister's kids are 17 months apart and she BFed her first until she self-weaned at 15 months with no problems. I'd say if you want to keep BFing, try it and try to eat as much as possible and drink a lot of liquids, but if you can't, don't feel guilty . I felt pretty guilty, but realized I couldn't eat enough to sustain myself, DS, and my new baby.

hellopoppyseed

I BF through the first 5 months of my pregnancy. My OB didn't have a problem with it. I will say if you are high risk or if you are feeling a lot of contractions while you nurse, the might be a reason to stop. I started having more intense contractions toward 5 months and I knew it was time to stop. Oh and my nipples were on fire the whole time. Not fun.

MAMAxB

I know several people who have continued at least for the beginning of pregnancy.. just make sure that you are eating enough for both the baby and your little one who is nursing!

TonyaCody06

I weaned DD within a week. I need low dose aspirin when i'm pregnant so I couldn't continue to BF even if I wanted to. 

jacksmommy51

I nursed until about 2 weeks ago. My ob did research on nursing during pregnancy and said it was no problem. Just make sure you are eating and drinking enough. I'm so glad I continued until we were both ready to stop.

wnk1029

I've never heard of an OB/doctor telling someone to stop nursing because of a new pregnancy.

Here's a couple resources you may want to read before you decide one way or the other...

Info about Nursing while Pregnant from KellyMom.com

FAQ about Nursing while Pregnant from the La Leche League website

 

roundtheworldgirl

NavyPilotWife:

I'm really amazed at how dumb OBs are, when it comes to BF.

This.  DD1 was 4.5 months when I got my BFP for DD2.  My midwife said that, if I was concerned about preterm labor, I should wean when I was 20 weeks.  So that became my plan.  But it was a moot point because pregnancy made my milk dry up and I had to wean when I was 15 weeks along and DD1 was only 7 months old.  Killed me.

lcunningham

I was BFing my son when I got my BFP in November and I continued to nurse him through half of March (he was 18.5m). My OB suggested I stop and I told her that he wasn't ready and when he is ready we will. She really only wanted me to be done by 3rd tri due to preterm labor risks. 

If you want and your LO wants to continue to BF do it! It is still the best for her.  You only need extra calories with BFing and being pregnant in the 2nd and 3rd tri. 

Good Luck!  

raeface

Thanks for all the responses. I will be looking into this more.

This is a new OB for me since we moved and I had to switch so I will see how it goes next week.

BrittKav

I would definitely get a second opinion. Unless you have a history of PTL there's no reason you need to give up BFing. I breastfed throughout my entire pregnancy with no complications.

KittahMama

I couldn't maintain my supply and had to stop around 10 weeks.  My doctor had no problems with me continuing until 3rd trimester, though. 

My problem was I could not eat enough to keep up my milk, supply myself and the new pregnancy.  I would have needed 3000 calories a day, and who has that much time with a 4-5 month old???

Anyway, good luck, previous posters have given you good resources as well.

 

3/05bride

Got my BFP when DS was 9 months and I am still nursing him (he turned one this week).  My supply dropped significantly around week 12 in pregnancy, and since he was not yet 1, he did get some formula at that point.  My milk supply is really low but he does nurse at bedtime and first thing in the morning.  I hope to wean him before 3rd tri just because I feel like I need a little break.  I don't see why your OB would tell you to stop unless you have some particularly pregnancy issue.  My OB said I could nurse as long as DS and I wanted but that my milk may or may not dry up.

My mom nursed my brother throughout her pregnancy with me and once a day after I was born. 

I also have a friend whose OB told her to wean right away when she got her BFP even though this friend had no particular risks or issues.  She weaned baby #1 and a week later had a very early miscarriage (obviously not related to the weaning), so felt really upset that she had weaned #1 and was left mourning the miscarriage and her nursing relationship with #1.

Bride2b2004

NavyPilotWife:

I'm really amazed at how dumb OBs are, when it comes to BF.

 Same here!

I am not weaning DS2 unless it doesn't work for him, me or the baby in some way.  Your body first provides nutrients to the baby inside, then nursling, then you.  So you should take prenatals (if you can stomach them) most importantly for yourself.  The old school of thought was wean, but studies have not shown benefit to that.  In fact, I have found my debilitating hypermesis (with all my other pgs) is now merely morning sickness with this baby and it could be due to nursing when pg.

GL whatever you decide!