- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
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Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
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Question
Breast-feeding while pregnant: Is it safe?
My wife just found out that she's pregnant. Is it safe for her to continue breast-feeding our 9-month-old? Or wouldn't you recommend breast-feeding while pregnant?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
For most women, it's possible to safely continue breast-feeding while pregnant — as long as vigilance is paid to healthy eating and aggressive hydration. Supplemental prenatal vitamins, especially vitamin D, may be needed as well.
Breast milk continues to be nutritionally sound throughout pregnancy. The content of breast milk changes throughout pregnancy, however. This may affect the way the milk tastes. Decreased milk production is also likely as the pregnancy progresses. Sometimes these factors lead a nursing child to wean on his or her own.
In other cases, the mother's comfort is a concern. During pregnancy, nipple tenderness and breast soreness are common. The discomfort may intensify while breast-feeding. Pregnancy-related fatigue is often an issue as well. If a mother wishes to continue breast-feeding while pregnant — or breast-feed both the baby and the older child after delivery — she may need additional support from loved ones.
It's important to remember that breast-feeding can trigger uterine contractions. Although these mild contractions aren't a concern for most women, caution is important. Breast-feeding during pregnancy generally isn't recommended for women who have a history of preterm labor.
Next questionAir travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 2, 2008.
- Murry MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 8, 2008.
- LaFleur EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 9, 2008.
- Riordan J. Postpartum care. In: Riordan J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 3rd ed. Sudbury, Ma.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2005:240-241.
