Can you breastfeed while pregnant? In most cases, yes. You should check with your doctor or midwife, however, if you are at risk of premature labour or have any pain or bleeding during pregnancy. Breastfeeding (nipple stimulation in general) induces the production of the hormones oxytocin, which produces milk, and prolactin, which causes the uterus to contract. Neither hormone should be a problem during a normal pregnancy.

By about the fourth month of pregnancy, your breasts will start to produce colostrum in preparation for the new baby. Some toddlers may not mind this change in texture and taste, while others may naturally wean themselves. Colostrum has a laxative effect and might soften your child's stools. Be aware that the nutritional content of colostrum differs from your regular milk and you should pay closer attention to your toddler's other sources of nutrition.

For most women who are nurturing two children at once, the primary concern will be getting adequate enough nutrition. Lactation requires an additional 500 calories (even for mothers who are nursing children who are on solids) and pregnancy requires approximately 300 cal/day. You will need to supply a total of 700-800 calories in addition to the food you normally require for your body size and activity. For most women this will be somewhere in the range of 2600-2900 calories!

Water intake should also be watched closely. Both pregnancy and lactation require ample amounts. Try to get a minimum of 2 litres daily. This may sound like a lot, but you will notice a difference in your body when you consume less than this. Include herbal teas and unsweetened, diluted fruit juices in your daily total, but not soft drinks or caffeinated beverages (both should be avoided now anyway).

Choosing healthy foods and eating regularly throughout the day will help you get the nutrition you need. Now may be a good time to seek advice from a nutritionist on how to maintain a healthy diet during this critical period.

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in pregnancy, birth and childhood. She is currently the editor of http://www.motherandchildhealth.com an online source of advice on nutrition, herbs, and natural healing for pregnancy, birth, and childhood. It includes parenting advice, articles, experts, and a variety of resources that help support natural lifestyle choices.

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