Try to think calmly about the situation. If the older baby is more than two years old at the time of starting the pregnancy, you can think about his temporary or complete excommunication. But this is acceptable only if he is not too attached to the mother's milk. Remember, can he calmly remain without a mother more than 3-4 hours (for example, with a grandmother, father or nanny)? Does the child have experience of falling asleep without my mother's breast? Perhaps he had already stayed with his grandmother in the village without you and remained calm, not very worried about separation from his mother and milk? If so, then you can safely wean the crumbs from the chest for the period of pregnancy. Especially if the idea itself to feed the elder during this period does not please you.
However, if the older child is not yet 2 years old, or is, but is obviously attached to the mother's breast (sleeps only with her, did not stay for long without a mother, a sensitive and vulnerable child (especially if it's a girl)), to risk. Try to combine breastfeeding and pregnancy. Recall that this was the usual practice of all traditionally living peoples - in our country and in the West until the beginning of the 20th century, and in the Eastern and tribal peoples - until now. Support yourself with the thought that you are not the only one that is normal and physiologically justified. Just do everything so as not to harm the future baby.
Of course, with breastfeeding and a new pregnancy, the very organization of the process is important. You only in this case do not harm the child born if you know what you can do and what you can not. It is also important to focus on your intuition. After all, if the future mother feels (does not invent herself, after listening to other people's advice, but she feels it in her soul), it is better not to feed during pregnancy, it is better to listen. We often unconsciously know how best to do, but do not trust ourselves. And, on the contrary, if the mother is confident that everything will be okay, that the body will cope well, then it is necessary to feed. Even if in your environment people are suspicious of breastfeeding during pregnancy.
Remember a number of simple rules.
- Feed in a convenient position for you, you can lie down. Cover the pillows, if necessary (under the back, knees, elbows, baby).
- Get enough sleep! If you do not have enough time at night, get a nap during the day.
- Eat on demand, do not starve or overeat.
- Rest as much as you need to feel. Do not try to catch everything!
- If the nipples become painful during breastfeeding, change the feeding posture, try less often to apply the older one, distracting him by walking, communicating with friends, books, modeling, etc.
- It is known that immediately after birth, breast sucking to newborns provokes contraction of the uterus. But this does not mean that breastfeeding in early pregnancy can provoke miscarriage. Nevertheless, be attentive to yourself. If you intuitively feel that feeding you a burden, apply the baby less often, distract by a fairy tale or walk.
The main thing now is for you to endure and give birth to a healthy baby. Therefore, breastfeeding will be a secondary responsibility. But do not open this secret to the eldest child! He should be firmly sure that you still have that milk at his full disposal, that his mother loves him, as before. Simultaneously prepare the crumb for a meeting with a future brother or sister. Affectionately explain to him that the baby lives in your tummy, that he is small and good, that he loves the older child and mother. Customize the baby that after the birth of a new crumb the elder will teach him to eat mom's milk. This will weaken the future of rivalry and create the ground for friendship between children.
Read the literature on feeding the children in tandem in advance. Better if it's the books of famous American parents and Sirs doctors. Decide if you will feed both the elder and the newborn. Think calmly. Bear in mind that feeding will help the elder to successfully cope with stress after the birth of a crumb and seriously strengthen its immunity. Instead of listening to hysterics (often unavoidable in the first 2 months) and treating an older child for colds, is it not easier to feed both babies together (how are twins fed-mum lying, children on both hands on a pillow for feeding or just leaning on)? Mom at this time will be able to rest a little. In addition, you will not have problems with lack of milk, because it sucks you immediately two! And there will be no stagnation, since the elder is always happy to drink extra milk.
Drive away any doubts that there will not be enough milk for two! Because the pain it sucks, the more it is produced! And my mother has enough regular balanced nutrition to provide vitamins for both children. Unless cottage cheese is better is more, and that at will.
Remember that every new pregnancy is a serious test for your health. Under your heart, a new life is developing and developing. In the first trimester is the laying of vital organs and systems. And it depends on you in many ways now whether your future child will be weakened and painful or, on the contrary, he will grow up healthy and robust. But at the same time, any pregnancy has a rejuvenating effect on the female body. Due to hormonal adjustment, mobilization of all protective forces takes place, immunity of the future mother is markedly strengthened. We can say that for the life of a little man, the most powerful support for the health of a pregnant woman occurs. This should not be forgotten!
Pregnancy is not a disease. If you are in position, then you are healthy! And to protect a new life your body in this period will work with redoubled force. Therefore, by itself, feeding will not have any harmful effects on the body. Moreover, often in the second half of the pregnancy the composition of milk varies (people say: "it becomes bitter"), and the baby can give up breast. Well, if not, you can perfectly combine the feeding and pregnancy, if you listen to yourself, relax and take care of your health.