Can I continue to nurse my toddler while pregnant?

by Dan
(Ecuador)

Hi! I'm 25 weeks pregnant with a baby boy and my toddler girl is 24 months old. I think I'm already producing colostrum (the other day I checked with my pump and I got some thick cream colored drops, I tasted them and they were salty). My question is, is it safe for me and my toddler to continue nursing, as I had a previous miscarriage 14 months ago and my daughter was born at 37.5 weeks? Also, when the baby is born, and if I continue nursing, is it ok to nurse her during the first days or should I cut off the nursing completely during those first days?

Answer from the lactation consultant:
This question is best addressed with your obstetrician or midwife. However, I can say that anyone who is at risk for miscarriage should not breastfeeding during pregnancy. Breastfeeding involves areola stimulation and areola stimulation releases oxytocin which in turn can cause uterine contractions.
Please check with your OB/midwife.

Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC