Does breastfeeding cause miscarriages?

Question

I am 17weeks pregnant and I have a 7month old who drinks only breast milk. My Dr. says that I should start weaning her because breastfeeding causes miscarriages. Any research or info will be helpful

Answer 1

You need a different doctor...seriously.

That's not true. I got pregnant (still am(35weeks)) when my daughter was 4 months old. And I breastfed her untill she was 7 months (through the whole 1st trimester). You honestly have to eat like a linebacker to have energy for yourself, you are supporting 3 lives at once. Tandum breastfeeding is hard work, but it will not take away from a fetus. Although getting pregnant while breastfeeding will make the milk taste different and your little one might not want as much milk from you. But don't let anyone talk you out of breastfeeding just because you are pregnant again! Keep on Truckin!

Answer 2

ive never heard of brestfeeding causing missacreges.
nickix2002: As well as the four miscarriages, I have two healthy children aged 4 and 2. I have still got milk in my breasts after finishing b/f the younger one just over a year ago, could this have caused me to miscarry the last two babies? One in January and one in September.
Dr Gillian Lockwood: Breastfeeding does not cause miscarriage. If a woman is fully breastfeeding she may not ovulate and then she can't get pregnant. But you can be reassured that the breast milk didn't cause the miscarriage.
karen_taylor78: I had a missed miscarriage last year at 9 weeks. Also in July at an ultrasound scan I found out that my baby had died at 18 weeks. A post-mortem was done. It was a faulty placenta. The consultant didn't really say much about it. I was just wondering how common it is for this to happen? Also I don't suppose anyone knows but I forgot to ask him if a baby suffers at this stage due to this.
Dr Gillian Lockwood: I'm so sorry to hear about your the loss of your baby. A 'faulty placenta' is one of the commoner causes of a mid-trimester or late pregnancy loss. Often it is caused by pre-eclampsia or Lupus. If you were quite well, then it may have be a true fault in the placenta and is unlikely to recur in another pregnancy. You can be quite certain that your baby didn't suffer. At this gestation they are not 'conscious' so they couldn't feel pain or stress.

cl-sonyasrose: What are your opinions on flying during pregnancy? I know some people say it should be avoided, but others say it's safe. What do you think? Also, I flew only this week (22wks pg), and my mum was convinced the pressure would hurt the baby's ears. Is this so? Does the baby feel anything whilst flying at this stage?
Dr Gillian Lockwood: I don't think that women should fly before they have had a first scan (to check that it is not an ectopic or 'missed miscarriage)'. Women who are newly pregnant (especially if they have had IVF treatment) have 'extra thick blood' and therefore are at increased risk of 'economy class syndrome' or DVTs. They should avoid long haul flights and take all the usual precautions against DVTs like 'flight socks', extra water, aspirin etc. Flying is fine between 12 weeks and about 24. After that the baby is viable but I don't like to think of people being too far away from a good hospital with a SCBU if there are problems of premature delivery. The pressure changes in a commercial airliner are not enough to cause problems, but pregnant women should be aware that the oxygen levels are lower. Your baby would not have felt his ears 'pop' as he is completely protected from the pressure change as he is 'under water'!

Answer 3

I breastfed my first while pregnant with my second. I have several friends that have done the same. The research that I saw said that if you had several miscarriages before then breastfeeding MIGHT contribute to a miscarriage. If you are 17 weeks and still breastfeeding you should be fine. You should look into tandem feeding for when your baby is born. It is easier than it sounds and builds a great bond between siblings.

Answer 4

This was a topic of debate many years ago. It used to be felt that breastfeeding while pregnant can steal important nutrients from the fetus and can increase the risk of miscarriage. Now we know that this is not true. Many research studies have demonstrated no nutritional risk to the fetus, and no increased risk of miscarriage. I encourage pregnant moms to continue to breastfeed as long as they want to.

There is, however, one situation where breastfeeding during pregnancy is NOT considered safe. For moms who have a history of miscarriages or preterm labor (labor beginning before 37 weeks gestation) with previous pregnancies, breastfeeding may increase the risk of these events occurring again. Why? Because breastfeeding releases a hormone into mom's bloodstream that can cause the uterus to contract. If a mom's uterus is especially sensitive to this hormone (i.e., if a mom has had preterm labor or miscarriages before) then breastfeeding MAY trigger the uterus to contract.

However, most women's uteruses are NOT sensitive to this breastfeeding hormone. It is therefore safe to breastfeed during pregnancy.

You should discuss this issue with your own midwife or obstetrician.

Answer 5

I know of no research that suggest any link whatsoever between miscarriage and breastfeeding. Many women have successfully nursed during a pregnancy (including myself). Your 7th month old still needs your milk. I would encourage you to speak with someone from LLLI or a LC. Doctors are not always experts on breastfeeding; OBs are 'experts' on pregnancies and deliveries, not on breastfeeding. Definitely seek an opinion from someone who knows more about it.

Answer 6

Breastfeeding is harmless to a new pregnancy. I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage, but this was not the cause. You might feel some contractions during breastfeeding, but this is usually harmless. I do advice some women to stop breastfeeding if they are about 26+weeks and experience regular contractions due to breastfeeding, if this causes them to dialate. Good luck on this pregnancy!

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Answer 7

I've never heard of that before. I'd get a second opinion. Some doctor's nowadays are Loonies... Best Wishes!!!

Answer 8

OK i am not a Dr. but i will tell you what i have learned from having 3 kids when your baby feeds it stimulates your nipples and that makes your uterus contract in turn could maybe make you lose your baby

Answer 9

Not as far as I know of. I would have a 2nd opion from another OBYN DR.

Answer 10

ask your doctor again.. ask for facts to back him up
7 month old with another on the way in 23 weeks?.. shakes head