In several countries we have observed the tendency of mothers to abruptly stop breastfeeding once they suspect to be pregnant again. In order to correctly advise our project staff in Somalia and Zambia, we would like to know during how many months pregnant mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed. 14.09.2000 Dear Arine, Generally speaking breastfeeding and pregnancy are perfectly compatible. Many women practicing breastfeeding during pregnancy without any problems, not even knowing that they are pregnant again and realising this only when a new baby starts kicking.
Different cultures have a different attitudes to the overlapped pregnancy and lactation.
Many health professionals have concerns that breastfeeding during pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion due to oxytocin releasing or about depletion of the women's stores, etc. I remember a very small study, which showed almost the same number of miscarriages in both groups among those who continued breastfeeding throughout the pregnancy and those who did not breastfed. Uterine contractions also occur during sexual activity, which most couples continue during pregnancy anyway. Re maternal stores depletion. Food intake is usually much high than recommended, so with western women there is no real problems of depletion, unless in a very special circumstances or in submarginal population.