I've a female friend that is pregnant and is interested in beginning lactation. I'm not comfortable with this as I know little of how this would interact with her pregnancy.
Is is safe for her to lactate/pump at this time?
And if so, how often?
She is in her 3rd tri-mester.
2006-06-30 09:42:19 · 6 answers · asked by ? 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
I should have added she is complaining of leakage and of feeling full, "..about to pop" is her words about her chest.
2006-06-30 09:58:35 · update #1
What she is leaking is colostrum, it is completely normal she can start to wear nursing pads now so that it doesn't show that she is leaking but I would encourage her not to start pumping until after the baby is born. The body only makes colostrum for a limited amount of time and if she pumps before the baby is born there is a chance that the colostrum that the baby needs in the beginning will not be there when the baby is born. Also if she starts to pump now her body will produce more milk to meet the demand and her engorgement issues will become worse rather then better. It is best all around to wait until the baby comes, then her body will produce what the baby needs and the baby will get all the good stuff that he/she was ment to get. I got all of this info from my doc (just had a baby on the 15th of June and we are a happy breastfeeding couple). Best of luck and congrats to your friend.
2006-06-30 10:11:04 · answer #1 · answered by bluekitty8098 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately, she is just going to try to deal with it as best she can - at this point, nipple stimulation could induce labor and if she/the baby isn't ready to deliver, that wouldn't be good
Also, the beginning breastmilk/colostrum (if I spelled it right) is what is best for newborns - this is what comes in first and is packed full of all the goodies the new baby needs. The real milk comes in a few days later. So I worry if she pumps now, she will get her system kicked into gear and the real milk will come in when the baby should be getting the colostrum
Good luck!
2006-06-30 10:03:38 · answer #2 · answered by pammy_6201 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of a case of a pregnant woman producing milk before giving birth, unless she is currently breastfeeding another baby she has.
If she's leaking, it's probably colostrum...the stuff that comes out before giving birth. Her actual milk won't come until until a few days after giving birth. My sons' pediatrician referred to colostrum as "liquid gold" and even if a woman opts not to/can't breastfeed, she should express it and give it to her baby. It's incredibly rich in antibodies and nutrients to support the baby's first few days of life and build his immune system.
I started leaking colostrum during the end of my 2nd/beginning of my 3rd trimesters both times I was pregnant. I don't know if you could pump this though. The body is just starting to produce it, and pumping or trying to express it by hand to save it might do more damage than good.
2006-06-30 14:45:47 · answer #3 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off its AWESOME that she wants to breastfeed! i wouldnt recomend her inducing lactation now, if she does have a liquid coming out of her nipples now its probably just colostrum...which is very important for newborns it gives their immune system a jump start...she should let the baby start the lactating so her breast can adjust to the amount of milk the baby needs.
2006-06-30 09:54:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nipple stimulation can induce labor. Unless she is 38 weeks (almost full term) it wouldn't be safe to pump/try to encourage lactation- it may put her into preterm labor.
2006-06-30 09:50:48 · answer #5 · answered by Heather 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, here is my input. I am 9 months pregnant, due july 15th, first kid. i m not lactating at all. my mom/doc says its normal with 1st timers....good luck to your friend
2006-06-30 09:57:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋