Yes, she can continue breastfeeding her 10-month-old while pregnant
Breastfeeding during pregnancy is safe and compatible in healthy, low-risk pregnancies, and there is no medical reason to discontinue it. The AAP guidelines emphasize that most maternal conditions are compatible with breastfeeding and recommend supporting continued breastfeeding as long as mutually desired by mother and child 1.
Evidence Supporting Safety
The most comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant adverse outcomes for either the mother or fetus when breastfeeding continues during pregnancy 2. Specifically:
- No increased risk of miscarriage across different abortion subtypes
- No difference in preterm delivery rates between lactating and non-lactating pregnant women
- No increased antepartum or postpartum hemorrhage
- No prolonged labor complications
The Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine position paper supports breastfeeding during pregnancy, particularly in the first two trimesters, and considers it sustainable even in the third trimester 3. They found no evidence that healthy women face higher risks of miscarriage or preterm delivery when breastfeeding while pregnant.
Important Considerations
When to Exercise Caution
While generally safe, theoretical caution may be warranted for women at risk of premature delivery, though no evidence exists that breastfeeding triggers labor through uterine contractions 3. The mother should discuss her specific risk factors with her obstetrician.
Nutritional Demands
The overlap of lactation with pregnancy creates increased nutritional burden on the mother 2. She should:
- Ensure adequate caloric intake
- Maintain proper supplementation (prenatal vitamins, iron, calcium)
- Monitor her nutritional status with her healthcare provider
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Professional misinformation is widespread. Research shows that 35% of mothers stop breastfeeding during pregnancy due to professional advice, often based on outdated beliefs rather than evidence 4, 5. Healthcare providers should use evidence-based resources like LactMed rather than reflexively recommending cessation 1.
Practical Management
The 10-month-old is at an appropriate age where:
- Complementary foods should already be established (introduced around 6 months) 1
- Breast milk remains beneficial but is no longer the sole nutrition source
- The child can continue receiving immunological and nutritional benefits
The decision should be based on maternal comfort, pregnancy progression, and mutual desire to continue, not on unfounded concerns about fetal harm. If nipple tenderness or uterine cramping during nursing becomes uncomfortable (common hormonal effects), the mother can choose to wean gradually, but this is a comfort decision, not a medical necessity.