Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Breastfeeding while pregnant and tandem feeding

5-minute read

Key facts

  • You can carry on breastfeeding while you’re pregnant, without harming your older child or your unborn baby.
  • The taste of your milk will change as you start to make colostrum.
  • You can breastfeed more than one child at a time — this is called tandem feeding.

Is it safe to continue breastfeeding while I’m pregnant?

It’s usually perfectly safe to continue breastfeeding if you get pregnant and your pregnancy is normal and healthy.

However, seek advice from your doctor or midwife, if you:

If you continue breastfeeding while pregnant, your body will:

  • carry on making enough milk to nourish your older child
  • provide all the nutrients your unborn baby needs

Does my breastmilk have enough nutrients for my older child?

Your breastmilk will provide your child with the nutrients they need. However, the taste of your milk will change as you start to make colostrum. This might lead your older child to wean themselves at some point during your pregnancy.

Colostrum is a natural laxative, so your older child’s poo might become more liquid than normal. This is nothing to worry about.

How can I look after myself?

Breastfeeding while pregnant can make your nipples tender. You can relieve the discomfort by being careful with your position and attachment while breastfeeding. It may help to lie down while feeding.

Tender nipples may clear up after the first trimester, but for some women it lasts the entire pregnancy.

You may notice that your morning sickness is worse when you’re feeding. This may be due to hormonal changes and being hungry, thirsty or tired.

You can look after yourself by:

Can I breastfeed both children after my baby is born?

You can keep breastfeeding your older child after your baby is born. This is called tandem feeding. Tandem feeding can help connect your toddler with your new baby.

There are different ways of tandem feeding. You can feed both children at the same time. Or you can feed your newborn first and then your older child.

You might find your older child wants to feed all the time because you have a lot of milk. If you like, you can limit their feeds.

You might need some cushions to prop yourself up or you might find it easier lying down.

You might also find that your newborn has trouble coping with your let down reflex because you are producing so much milk. Changing your feeding routine may help.

How do I wean my older child?

If you decide to wean your older child, it’s a good idea to do this while you’re still pregnant. This means that there is one less change for them to cope with after your baby is born.

If you would like to encourage your older child to wean while you are pregnant, you could try:

  • reducing the number of feeds you offer them
  • offering a short feed and then a bottle

For more tips, you can read the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby article on weaning.

Resources and support

It's important to know that many breastfeeding issues can be solved with the help of someone skilled in breastfeeding support.

For breastfeeding support you can contact:

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

Pregnancy | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Congratulations on your pregnancy! We’ll help you take the first step towards preparing for breastfeeding whilst you are pregnant.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Losing weight while breastfeeding | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Will breastfeeding help me lose weight? Can I lose weight while breastfeeding?

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

X-rays, scans and breastfeeding | Australian Breastfeeding Association

What to do if you are breastfeeding and need an x-ray or scan.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Tattoos, beauty treatments and breastfeeding | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Wondering if hair and body treatments affect breastfeeding? What about hair loss and a fake tan?

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Mastitis | Australian Breastfeeding Association

If your breast is sore, lumpy, hot and red and you have a fever, you may have mastitis.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Weaning | Australian Breastfeeding Association

It depends on the age of your baby or child and how quickly you want to reduce or stop your baby's feeds.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Mixed feeding | Australian Breastfeeding Association

If you decide to introduce formula, you can keep breastfeeding too. Find out how to balance the feeds.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Weight gains | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Baby losing weight? Not gaining enough? Answers to frequently asked questions about baby weight gains and losses.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Family and friends - be her breastfeeding village | Australian Breastfeeding Association

How you can help and support a new mum.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Partners and families | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Your support is crucial to the success of breastfeeding. Find out how you can help.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.