Does pregnancy cause any negative effects on lactation?
A. Although some women state that their milk supply does not change, for most women the milk supply rapidly decreases within months of conception as the milk returns to a more colostrum-like composition. This change is thought to be caused by pregnancy hormones, which may heighten nipple sensitivity, causing some women who were comfortably nursing to become extremely sensitive for no other apparent reason. This condition is unique to each pregnant woman. Q. Is it necessary to wean because of the pregnancy? A. For a mother breastfeeding a toddler who is already receiving other sources of nutrition, obtaining less milk from nursing will not likely place him at risk. On the other hand, if mother is exclusively nursing a young infant, the change could cause failure to thrive as a result of mother’s diminishing milk supply unless baby receives supplemental nutrition. Q. Are there harmful effects of nursing on the developing fetus? A. A well-nourished mother should have no difficulty providi
