UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY WHILE BREASTFEEDING
Unexpected pregnancy while breastfeeding can be dreadful for many women. Pregnancy is a good news for most people who are married or not. While it is possible to get pregnant at about 3 weeks after delivery, it can also come with several challenges. It is worse if the pregnancy is not planned, or it comes earlier than expected. This article will discuss several challenges of getting pregnant while still breastfeeding.
The challenges of unexpected pregnancy while breastfeeding can range from emotional, financial, pain and future unplanned circumstances. The following are some challenges people usually face.
EMOTIONAL STRESS AS A CHALLENGE OF UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY WHILE BREASTFEEDING:
The fear of what people will say and how people will see me, are some factors that affect such pregnant woman mentally. Some woman usually feel ashamed of getting pregnant too early while pregnant. This should not be the case as it will affect the well-being of the woman.
FINANCIAL STRESS: OF UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY WHILE BREASTFEEDING
Pregnancy and child’s care are both financially demanding. The cost of unexpected pregnancy can range from both baby foods, healthcare cost. Antenatal care for the new pregnancy and funds to care for the rest of the family can become stressful. This can be worse for those who are not financially buoyant. Imagine those already managing their resources with the current baby looking for a way to finance the new pregnancy.
HEALTH CHALLENGES OF UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY WHILE BREASTFEEDING:
While it is safe to get pregnant during breastfeeding, it can have a negative effect on the mother’s health. Take for example, it can be a negative news for a woman who is not physically or medically fit to continue with the pregnancy.
UNPLANNED FUTURE EVENT THAT MAY FOLLOW UNPLANNED PREGNANCY.
There are some unplanned health events that could also follow getting pregnant while still breastfeeding. Take for example, a woman who had caesarean section (CS) in her last delivery. Such person will most likely end up having another CS if enough time isn’t given for the CS to heal and she takes in.
SOCIETAL PRESSURE AS A CHALLENGE OF UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY WHILE BREASTFEEDING:
There may be some forms of societal pressure from family, relatives, friends and neighbors. This happen when they notice one is pregnant while still breastfeeding. The pressure is usually worse for those who are struggling financially. as people start seeing them as a burden. The pressure on the well to do is usually minimal as they have the resources to cater for the extra cost
IMPACTS ON THE BABY BEING BREASTFED.
Early pregnancy can also affect the feeding of the current baby. As the pregnancy progresses, there are hormonal changes that affect the breast-milk production. This can affect the composition of the milk and it can also affect the taste. The above factors can lead to poor feeding of the current baby. Malnutrition could occur if not observed.
IN CONCLUSION:
Of course the news of pregnancy test coming out positive can be exciting for many people. This can have some negative effects on women who are still breastfeeding very young baby. If you are having this form of challenge, try to discuss with your partner. You can seek the advice of your healthcare provider on your unexpected pregnancy.
Graphics: Verywell family, IOL, Lifehack
PREGNANCY WITHOUT PENETRATION
TRAUMATIC BIRTH INJURIES
Breastfeeding while pregnant
