BFing while pregnant Q

boogerbearoriginal

I just found out I'm expecting #2 and LO still nurses a lot. I intend to BF through pregnancy and tandem BF if desired by LO but I have a concern about his nutrition.

We haven't introduced alternative milks because he nurses so much it hasn't seemed necessary. And neither me nor H drink milk. He has eaten cheese/yogurt without ill effect and I've consumed dairy the entire time he's nursed, so I don't think he'll have a problem with milk. But he doesn't always eat dairy every day as he is quite the picky eater lately.

Now I am concerned about my milk drying up since from what I read it happens to a large majority of women by mid-pregnancy. Should we start introducing some alternative milk now, I'm thinking like a small cup a day so if/when my milk dries up it's not a problem?

If so, would you suggest cow or goat? I have convenient access to both. 

Emerald27

I wouldn't worry about it unless his nursing significantly decreases, especially if he eats yogurt and cheese. Now, if you do notice that he's nursing much less often, you might want to offer a cup of milk as a substitute. We just give DS while cow's milk, but we don't give it very often because he still nurses a lot and because I don't want him to fill up on cow's milk. I'd rather he fill up on a variety of nutrient rich foods instead.

Congratulations!

tokenhoser

I'd worry about losing your supply if it happens. Play it by ear - mine has been fine, as much as I can tell. More the issue is that I'm having to impose more nursing limits for my own health and sanity, as he still wants to nurse a dozen times a day and 3 or 4 really is my max now.

I don't think there's a huge difference between cow and goat. Some people say goat is easier to digest, but for a nearly 2 year old with no indication of lactose intolerance, either is likely fine. I would offer it just because it's another food to try. DS doesn't really love cow milk - on a good day, he might drink 4 oz. 

Congrats on baby #2!

boogerbearoriginal

Thanks for the insight ladies. I just hate to see LO not get something he needs, and I feel like his diet gets balanced out by nursing when he does his "i'm only going to eat two bites of banana and one piece of pork today". So I'm afraid of losing that reassurance lol.

Unfortunately he doesn't necessarily eat dairy every day, so if it turns out supply dwindles to nothing I'll worry about fat intake as much as anything else.  Of course, he nurses 4+ times on work days and all.day.long. on weekends, so perhaps a dwindling supply would lead to a bigger appetite for foods and it would balance out that way. 

I may try giving him some milk just to see if he likes it, certainly wouldn't hurt to have on occasion anyway.

Thanks for the congrats Token, we are pretty excited/nervous lol.

tokenhoser

I have found that as his nursing has decreased, his eating has (finally) increased. DS was still primarily breastfed up until 18 months, and that was his idea not mine. Since he turned 2, he's actually eating "like a real boy" - I'm always shocked when he finishes his tiny little bowl of pasta or anything else and needs more.

Get a copy of "Adventures in Tandem Nursing" from the library or the LLL website (amazon has crazy prices, so don't look there). It's reassuring. Then offer good foods and trust that a child really does know what they need.

Birdies08

Congratulations! We're trying for #2, so I hope to join you soon

I've been told to look at a toddler's diet by week, not day, if that helps with you reassurance. I know what you mean about feeling like you're topping off any nutritional gaps, though.

We started with goat's milk for our LO when I stopped pumping because it has higher cholesterol. She didn't go for it- I think maybe it was the taste that put her off. She did fine with cow's milk. So, you can always try one and then another, or both.

boogerbearoriginal

Good luck Birdies! I hope you get #2 soon!

I wasn't sure if one was better overall from a nutritional standpoint, but it really doesn't matter if LO won't drink it! Maybe I'll try one and see what he thinks. 

Birdies08

Booger+Bear:

Good luck Birdies! I hope you get #2 soon!

I wasn't sure if one was better overall from a nutritional standpoint, but it really doesn't matter if LO won't drink it! Maybe I'll try one and see what he thinks. 

Thank you

ncbelle

We never did any alternative milk.  Callum was about 20 months when I got pregnant and weaned right before he turned 2.  He did eat dairy but only has milk if he asks for it (which is rare).  As long as he has a healthy diet and gets the fat otherwise, I wouldn't worry.  But also fine to introduce another milk if you want!