Unexpected pregnancy while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing

Finding out you are pregnant does not mean you must stop breastfeeding.

Many mothers and nursing parents choose to continue nursing throughout pregnancy, while others decide to wean. If you continue breastfeeding through your pregnancy, you may find yourself breastfeeding both an infant and an older sibling.

Pros and cons of breastfeeding while pregnant

Many individuals have found this arrangement, called “tandem nursing,” is a good way of meeting the needs of both children. Your local LLL Leader can give you more information on breastfeeding while pregnant and/or tandem nursing.

The resources below will help you to explore your feelings about breastfeeding both your new baby and your “old” baby, so you can decide what is best for you and your family.

Is it safe?
Changes during pregnancy
Milk supply and colostrum
The practicalities of tandem nursing
The emotional side of tandem nursing

Is it safe?

A concern you may have is the health of your unborn baby.

It may be reassuring to know that in a normal pregnancy there is no evidence that continuing to breastfeed will depriv

is breastfeeding safe when pregnant

is nursing safe while pregnant