Breastfeeding Myth: You Cannot Nurse While Pregnant

This issue is at the core of why I decided to focus on this topic for awhile.  Recently, I had a checkup with my endocrinologist for thyroid problems.  I let the nurse practitioner know that we are expecting.  I also let her know I am nursing still since I want to make sure my meds are right.  She told me I needed to stop.  She said that I will be starving the baby since my body will make milk first and then feed baby.  She said she'd defer to my OB, but that this is very controversial and shouldn't be done.  I politely disagreed (I am surprised I was able to be polite - I nearly broke down in tears because we have struggled so much to be able to nurse and neither of us are ready to stop plus I knew she was wrong).

So, what's the truth?
Studies have shown that nursing during pregnancy CAN be a problem for malnourished moms, however, no studies have shown that healthy and well-nourished moms typically give birth to malnourished babies.  I have several friends who have successfully nursed through pregnancy.

Our bodies are designed to care for the weakest first, thus, the baby.  Baby gets all the nutrition he/she needs.  Next, the little nursling gets the nutrition through the milk.  Lastly, mom's body gets the nutrition.  With this all in mind, mom must be very careful to eat a well balanced diet with plenty of liquids and calories.  My lactation consultant suggested I strive for close to 3000 calories per day to make sure I was getting enough.

Contractions and Preterm Labor
This issue is my main concern.  I know nursing causes mild uterine contractions similar to those that occur during sex and later in pregnancy (Braxton-Hicks).  I am personally working with my OB and my lactation consultant to make sure we are doing what is best for all three since I delivered a month early.  I may need to wean as the pregnancy progresses, but most likely, as long as my OB has said that sex is safe, breastfeeding will be safe.

Conclusions
So, if you want to nurse through pregnancy, talk to your lactation consultant then go for it!  I say lactation consultant because doctors are notorious for not really understanding breastfeeding due to the severe lack of training in the subject.  The endocrinologist nurse practitioner that gave me a hard time had nursed both of her children 20 years ago and she had no idea how the body worked regarding nursing.  

I know that being pregnant while nursing will be a huge tax on my body.  I am prepared for that.  I am eating well and taking plenty of vitamins.  I drink enough fluids and spend several hours just resting each day.  I am also remaining fairly active - going for walks and generally just chasing around a toddler.

What are your thoughts on this myth?