Followup - BF while PG causing M/C?

charmgal · October 2009

A day or so ago a poster asked if there was any truth to BF while PG causing a M/C. I was concerned about that too, as I'm still nursing my 9 month old. I think OP was "Court" or someone?

I just spoke to my OB (who is very up to date on everything) and she said there is no correlation between breastfeeding and miscarriage prior to 20 weeks. She said that prior to 20 weeks, oxytocin simply does not cause your uterus to contract the way that it does when you're further along and your uterus is larger.

She said that if you have a history of preterm labor, she recommends that you stop by 20 weeks as the release of oxytocin can cause uterine contractions and labor.

She assured me that prior to 20 weeks, oxytocin simply does not have the same effect. This is why they give women with missed m/c prior to 20 weeks Misoprostal and NOT Pitocin (synthetic Oxytocin) to cause contractions. I guess Pitocin just won't work that early.

She said the general worry with nursing while PG is to make sure you're getting enough calories and rest to adequately feed three people.

I hope this helps! I know I feel a lot better. I will be 14 weeks on DD's first b-day and won't feel bad about weaning after that time.

thehimwithher · October 2009

wow, that is all really cool information! thanks for sharing. i will pass this along.

sam681 · October 2009

I have heard the same thing from my OB. I did wean DD to formula because my supply tanked and it started hurting me to feed her. I EBF'd for 7 months and I'm proud to have made it that far! Honestly, I feel better now that I have quit BFing, tons more energy.

ncbelle · October 2009

This is what I've always heard as well. Good luck to you!

daisyterp · October 2009

When I got my BFP DD was still nursing 2-4x a day, my midwife said it was fine but just wants to make sure I am eating enough (I lost 5 lbs between my 8 wk & 12 wk appts.) Now she is down to 1-2x a day and I am hoping she weans before baby #2 is born- supposedly @ 20 wks your supply tanks big time and a lot stop nursing then.

whitehead15 · October 2009

My OB and pedi said for me to stop or reduce nursings immediately. I did have a miscarriage before Z, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. I convinced them to let me continue, as long as by my 1st OB appt next week that I haven't lost weight. I've started supplementing with formula 2 times during the day. So, I still nurse Z 2 times in the morning and once before bed. I'm also mixing pumped milk in the formula bottles. It was a hard thing to do, but I love my docs and didn't feel comfortable going against their advice. I would never forgive myself if something happened to our new baby.

Want a personalized experience?

Followup - BF while PG causing M/C?

Re: Followup - BF while PG causing M/C?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards