Anyone Still Breastfeeding a Toddler or Older Baby?

kalyth76 · October 2017

Hi Everyone -

My 2 year old is still breastfeeding twice a day and I keep hearing that it’s not safe for the new pregnancy. I’m currently 5 weeks 3 days and have my first Dr’s appointment next week. My fear has gotten me thinking that I need to wean him over the next week or so. But I’d like to hear others’ experiences. Anyone in the same boat?

Kate

sabby2 · October 2017

Check out Kellymom.com for some good info on this. Also you could call your ob office or a local lactation consultant about this too.

pinktorridora · October 2017

I'm still breastfeeding our two year old daughter. Haven't heard a peep that I shouldn't, but I think doctors would suggest it if you are high risk.

Ash9614 · October 2017

I'm still nursing my 11-month-old but am planning to wean her in the next few weeks. But, *TW - I have a good friend who just delivered her daughter at 30-weeks and they are both in ICU, meaning my friend won't get a chance to BF. I am going to pump 2x/day through Thanksgiving to freeze a stash for her. My supply is dwindling, but I hope to get 50 oz for her LO. *end TW

I checked with my doula and lactation consultant after my BFP last week. Immediately stopped fenugreek and mother's milk and am now using brewers yeast to boost my supply this next month since it's considered safe.

I think as long as you are healthy and well-nourished, it is safe to nurse during pregnancy. I would check with your healthcare provider if you're unsure though!

mytinc · October 2017

I nursed DS1 for the first 4 months of being pregnant with DS2. I would have nursed longer, but the pregnancy dried my supply and DS1 self weaned.

jsl82 · October 2017

My DD will be 10 months old next week- so I'm trying to keep BFing for the next 2+ months. During her 9 month appointment we were still in the hopeful stage and I asked her pediatrician about BFing during pregnancy. I was told by the dr that some babies will naturally wean off during pregnancy because the changing hormones can change the taste. She said that during the 3rd trimester the colostrum comes in, and so the new baby won't get the benefit since the older baby will be drinking it, but on the other hand you do not need to wait for your milk supply to come in, so the new baby won't lose as much weight in the first days. She then talked about tandem feeding, which I am undecided on at this point.

I have noticed that my supply has decreased and DD is comfort nursing more than eating at this point. I am planning on taking away her nap time feeds once she turns 1- so I won't be pumping anymore. The nipple tenderness is bad for both pumping and feeding, but at least with feeding I have DD there so it doesn't feel as bad. I also have been nursing DD to sleep and that will have to end once my stomach starts to get in the way. The logistics of how I will be able to feed her and put her in her crib is something we will have to figure out too.

ap7307 · October 2017

Our son is a year and we are still breastfeeding. Had an appointment the other day, Dr said it was safe to continue. But definitely talk with your Dr.

kalyth76 · October 2017

Thanks all for your experiences! It’s nice to hear what others are doing in everyday life

morristhecatmom · October 2017

I have a 2 1/2-year-old who still nurses 2 times a day. I keep thinking he’s going to think my milk is changing and stop but he’s kind of ramped up. My midwife just said really make sure I’m taking my prenatal vitamins and getting enough nutrients because now a pregnancy as well as nursing is pulling from my body.

I saw Kellymom’s website mentioned above and I would agree to check it out!

pinottoparenthood · October 2017

I'm still nursing my 18-month-old but only 1x per day. I'll keep going as long as it's comfortable and he wants to, but I've heard, as some ladies mentioned above, that your milk will dry up and/or change and many toddlers will wean themselves.

pinottoparenthood · October 2017

@morristhecatmom sounds like the beginning of sibling rivalry

mamabear0618 · October 2017

I just weaned my 15m old last week. The only reason I stopped was because I was feeling so sick during his feedings. My heart would be racing out of my chest. I think as long as you feel well during your feedings it's up to you.

Lilpenguin3 · October 2017

Still breastfeeding my 18 month old 1-2x a day and all day on weekends.

ras713 · October 2017

@Lilpenguin3 that's my life story with my 2 year old! God forbid I sit down on the weekends. That apparently means the buffet is open. Lol

=caenis= · October 2017

My little dude (1.5) just weaned about 3 weeks ago - before I knew I was pregnant. We were down to just nursing in the morning, and I honestly don't think he was getting any milk anymore. I would have gladly continued, but I really didn't think he needed it anymore, so we started giving him a sippy cup and getting him ready for the day instead of nursing. It didn't seem like he missed it at all.

Until...just 2 days ago he got sick and he started crying for "BOOBIE, BOOOOOBIE" multiple times a day.

I feel like maybe I pushed him into weaning just a wee bit too fast instead of letting him take the lead and I kind of regret it.

So I guess my opinion is. Don't rush yourself. If you're happy to keep nursing, do it!

pinktorridora · November 2017

I’m still nursing our 27 month old, which has been PAINFUL! We are down to a couple times a day. My plan is to let her wean herself, and hoping the pain gets better soon.

blinnea23 · November 2017

With my second pregnancy I was still nursing my daughter. The first OB I called to make an appointment with told me that I was going to cause a miscarriage. I quickly scheduled with someone else because that is BS. Many women breastfeed straight through and on to tandem. My supply dropped and my daughter quit by 20 weeks.

The hormone oxytocin released while breastfeeding does not affect anything until after 20 weeks anyway. If affects some more than others, definitely more if you’re high risk.

araecasey · November 2017

Hey, ladies! I'm new to this board, but I'm a Lactation Educator and wanted to share some information regarding breastfeeding during pregnancy. For low risk mothers, breastfeeding is perfectly safe during pregnancy. It does cause some uterine contractions--comparable to the uterine contractions experienced during sex. If your provider deems sexual activity safe for you, then more than likely continuing to nurse is fine. If your provider questions your choice to breastfeed during pregnancy, he or she will very likely respect a second opinion from an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Someone above mentioned that milk changes flavor during pregnancy. This is accurate; as supply moves downward, it becomes less sweet and more salty. Some babies will choose to wean at this point, but many will continue to comfort nurse. Then around third trimester your colostrum will come back in. If you choose to tandem feed your new baby and older child, there will be plenty of milk for both. Be sure to nurse your baby first while your colostrum is in, but once milk increases in volume, your body will make enough milk to feed both children. Most mothers have the glandular capacity to exclusively feed triplets!

My inbox is open if anyone has questions or wants to chat :-)

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