pregnant and nursing

[cooksr]

I have an almost 9 month old and recently found out I am 8 weeks pregnant. My son has a milk protein allergy and we would like to prevent having to give him any formula if at all possible. I am starting to see a small decrease in pumping output and want to know what, if anything, I can do safely while pregnant to ensure that I produce enough milk for my son until he hits one year. At that point we are willing to do goat or soy milk to supplement, but I would really like to continue nursing as well as tandem nurse when the new little one arrives. Any insight?

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Generally speaking, most effective galactagogues are not safe while pregnant. My recommendation would be to make sure you're eating well (oatmeal wouldn't hurt), getting enough fluids, and getting enough sleep. Beyond that, there's really not a lot you can do to prevent the natural decrease in milk production that happens during pregnancy. Most women find that their supply greatly decreases or goes away in the first trimester, then returns with small amounts of colostrum sometime in the second or third trimester. Keep any eye on your baby's output and overall weight gain to ascertain that he's getting enough to eat. If you don't wish to supplement with formula, you will need to make sure that he's being offered regular amounts of nutrient-dense solid foods. And make sure that he's getting enough fluids throughout the day.

Some babies wean during pregnancy due to the change in milk flavor, decrease in supply, and because nursing tends to be painful to the mother and she will (consciously or unconsciously) restrict feedings. However, a lot of babies continue to nurse throughout the pregnancy, in spite of those factors.

Good luck to you!