Breastfeeding While Pregnant? What You Need to Know.
Thinking about another baby while you are still breastfeeding? Or did you find out you are pregnant and wonder if you need to wean?
In most cases, you don’t have to choose between pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing.
What if I WANT to get pregnant while breastfeeding?
You do not necessarily need to wean first.
Some parents begin ovulating while continuing to breastfeed, while others experience a longer delay in fertility.
If you are trying to conceive:
- Ovulation can occur before your first period.
- Cycles may be irregular when they first return.
- Frequent breastfeeding, especially overnight, may continue to suppress ovulation.
- If you are having difficulty conceiving, talk with your OB/GYN or healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while pregnant?
For most healthy pregnancies, yes.
Research has not shown that breastfeeding during an uncomplicated pregnancy significantly increases the risk of miscarriage or poor pregnancy outcomes.
Talk with your obstetric provider if you have:
- A history or risk of preterm birth
- Vaginal bleeding
- Significant uterine or cervical concerns
- A high-risk pregnancy
- A multiples pregnancy
- Concerns about your nutrition or weight gain
Will my milk supply decrease during pregnancy?
It often does.
Pregnancy hormones can cause milk production to decrease, sometimes significantly.
You may notice:
- Less milk when pumping
- Softer breasts
- A slower milk flow
- Changes in your child’s nursing behavior
- Your child nursing less or becoming frustrated at the breast
Milk also gradually changes as pregnancy progresses and eventually begins transitioning toward colostrum.
What if I’m breastfeeding a young baby when I become pregnant?
If your baby is still relying primarily on breast milk, a significant decrease in milk production could affect their intake.
Monitor weight gain, wet diapers, feeding behavior, and overall milk transfer.
Does breast milk become “bad” during pregnancy?
No.
Your milk does not become harmful because you become pregnant.
Pregnancy can change:
- Milk volume
- Milk taste
- Milk composition
- The speed of milk flow
Some older babies or toddlers don’t mind the changes. Others naturally nurse less or wean.
What is tandem breastfeeding?
Tandem breastfeeding means breastfeeding two children of different ages.
For example:
Newborn + toddler
If you continue breastfeeding throughout pregnancy, you may choose to continue nursing your older child after your new baby arrives.
You do not have to tandem feed—but you can if it works for you and your family.
How does tandem breastfeeding work when the new baby arrives?
The newborn comes first.
During the early postpartum period, your priority is establishing an adequate milk supply for your newborn.
A simple approach is:
1. Feed the newborn first.
- Offer the breast to your newborn frequently.
- Allow your newborn to nurse on demand.
- Focus on effective milk transfer and adequate weight gain.
2. Then offer the older child the opportunity to nurse.
Your older child can nurse:
- After the newborn feeds
- At bedtime
- Before naps
- For comfort
- Whenever it works for your family
Do I have to feed both children at the same time?
No!
Some parents tandem nurse simultaneously. Others prefer to nurse one child at a time.
Will my older child take milk away from my newborn?
Your newborn should have priority, especially during the first days and weeks.
After delivery, your breasts produce colostrum, which is particularly important for your newborn.
A practical approach:
- Let the newborn breastfeed frequently.
- If your older child wants to nurse, offer the breast after the newborn has had an opportunity to feed.
- Monitor the newborn’s weight gain and feeding effectiveness.
- If there are concerns about newborn intake, temporarily limiting the older child’s nursing may be recommended.
Once your mature milk comes in and your newborn is feeding and growing well, many families become more flexible.
Can my toddler drink the colostrum?
Yes.
You do not generally need to prevent an older breastfeeding child from nursing because you are producing colostrum.
Just make sure your newborn has frequent opportunities to breastfeed first.
Can I nurse both children from the same breast?
Yes.
You don’t generally need to assign one breast to each child.
Some parents switch sides between children, while others develop their own routine.
Once your newborn is feeding well, you can generally nurse both children according to your family’s needs.
What are some realistic tandem-feeding routines?
There is no single right way.
Newborn first
Newborn → older child
A simple approach during the early postpartum period.
Together
Newborn + older child at the same time
Some parents find this saves time.
Separate nursing times
Newborn throughout the day + toddler at bedtime
This can make tandem feeding feel more manageable.
Nursing for comfort
Your newborn nurses primarily for nutrition, while your older child nurses mostly for comfort and connection.
All of these approaches can work.
Do I have to tandem breastfeed if I breastfeed through pregnancy?
Absolutely not.
You may choose to:
- Continue breastfeeding throughout pregnancy and wean before delivery
- Continue breastfeeding until the new baby arrives
- Tandem breastfeed
- Gradually reduce nursing during pregnancy
- Allow your older child to self-wean
Your breastfeeding relationship can change as your family changes.
What if I am tandem feeding and my older child is sick?
This is a common concern for parents with a newborn and older child.
You usually do not need to stop breastfeeding either child.
However, use good hygiene:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid kissing the newborn on the face if the older child is actively ill.
- Avoid sharing pacifiers or toys.
- Try to minimize direct contact between your newborn and older child, especially if febrile.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces when appropriate.
Your older child’s illness does not make your breast milk “contaminated.” However, if your older child is showing signs of a contagious infection such as Hand, Foot and Mouth, it’s best to limit direct contact between the sick child’s saliva or infectious lesions and the newborn. The concern is exposure to the infection through respiratory secretions, saliva, stool, vomit, or close contact, depending on the illness.
Should I nurse the newborn first if my older child is sick?
Yes—especially during the early newborn period.
A practical approach is:
Newborn → older child
Prioritize the newborn’s feeding needs, then allow your older child to nurse as desired.
You do not generally need to pump and discard your milk simply because your older child is sick.
When should I get medical advice?
Contact your pediatrician if:
- Your newborn develops a fever or appears unwell.
- Your newborn is feeding poorly.
- Your newborn has fewer wet diapers.
- Your older child’s illness is severe or unusual.
- You are unsure whether a particular infection requires additional precautions.
Certain infections or medications may require individualized advice, so don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
What about my nutrition?
Pregnancy + breastfeeding means your body is supporting two growing children.
Focus on:
- Regular meals and snacks
- Adequate protein
- A variety of fruits and vegetables
- Calcium-rich foods
- Iron-rich foods
- Healthy fats
- Adequate fluids
- A prenatal vitamin as recommended by your healthcare provider
The Bottom Line
You can get pregnant while breastfeeding.
You can often continue breastfeeding during pregnancy.
You may be able to tandem breastfeed after your new baby arrives.
Remember:
- Fertility can return before your first period.
- Milk supply commonly decreases during pregnancy.
- Breast milk does not become harmful during pregnancy.
- Most healthy pregnancies do not require breastfeeding to stop.
- If you tandem feed, prioritize the newborn’s feeding needs, especially early on.
- An older child’s illness generally does not require you to stop breastfeeding.
- Good hand hygiene and limiting close contact between a sick older child and a newborn can help reduce the spread of infection.
- You do not have to nurse both children at the same time.
- There is no single “right” way to approach tandem breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring many changes to your breastfeeding relationship. You can adjust your approach as your family grows and choose what works best for you, your newborn, and your older child.
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical care. If your newborn is ill, feeding poorly, or has a fever, contact your pediatrician promptly. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or concerns about continuing breastfeeding, discuss your individual situation with your obstetric provider.
