Breastfeeding:TTC

Can I become pregnant while breastfeeding?

Many mothers that are nursing a baby or toddler want to become pregnant again while breastfeeding. Most people think that if you are breastfeeding you can not become pregnant. Although breastfeeding does offer some protection against conception, it does not make you infertile. The chances of becoming pregnant while exclusively breastfeeding are slim, but it does occur. If you are supplementing your baby with formula or solid foods, your chances of conceiving will likely be higher.

While some women will conceive easily while breastfeeding, the majaority of nursing mothers will have a harder time. This is because as you breastfeed, your body is producing prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that delays ovulation and conception in nursing women. Menstruation can begin at any time during the first year of breastfeeding, so it is wise to know exactly when you are most fertile.

Women that want to conceive while breastfeeding should chart their basal body temperature very carefully and monitor the cervical mucus. Ovulation predictor kits can also be beneficial. Research suggests altering your nursing schedule if you are trying to become pregnant while breastfeeding. Try not to nurse around the clock and supplement if at all possible.

Comments: Breastfeeding - TTC

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Bri - 231 days ago.
Kathy - try and ovulation kit or start getting your basal temp. It might help you to get pregnant by knowing when you do ovulate.

lyssie - 231 days ago.
You can have a period and not ovulate. You can ovulate and not have a period. That's what they taught in my women's health class. The body is complex and amazing. Anyway, I was going to say that my daughter was 10.5 months old and feeding 4X/day without night feedings when I conceived again. I had 3 periods that were further apart than usual but fairly regular before conceiving. Everyone is different. I did learn in class that breastfeeding is NOT an effective form of birth control--especially if you are not feeding around the clock at least every 3-4 hours. It may make it more difficult for some women though. Like I said we are all different. Good luck to you all :)

kathy=^.^= - 231 days ago.
well my son is 7 months old and ive been having what i think are regular periods there 36 to 38 days. well we havent used any birth control and still havent become pregnant so i bet its gonna be hareder for me.... i guess well just have to play the waiting game

Bri - 234 days ago.
Hey ladies! So, hubby and I are stopping birth control which means no more condems. My son is 17months and breastfeeding. I've had my cycle back since he was 9months. It's fairly regular so we'll see... We aren't actively trying but we aren't going to stop anything. I'm hoping that by the end of summer I will be pregnant. I'm excited. We recently bought a four bedroom house, I also quit working. I can't wait to get pregnant again. Kekoa will be an awesome older brother. He loves little ones and was so good with the little ones at school. Crossing our fingers. Hey, Kekoa was an oops. I was on the pill when that happened so we'll see how things go when I'm not.... January 2010 baby?

redheadmama - 282 days ago.
I have an 8 1/2 month old son who exclusively breastfeeds, but has been night-weaned for five months. I've had 28 day cycles since then. It's been 3 months of TTC... and wondering if breastfeeding might be hindering anything? anyone have thoughts??

kathy=^.^= - 367 days ago.
i am only breast feeding and my baby is a little over 2 months and im having a period. this says its much harder to get preggo while bf and i was wondering if i can have a period and not ovulate! please answer on my page thanks

luvbeingamom - 367 days ago.
erm - Congrats on the pregnancy! My doc said that faint or bright, a positive line is a positive line!

ermsmom - 367 days ago.
Does anyone know if breastfeeding can alter HPT results? The background is that I am breastfeeding my 7 month old however I've have AF back since my LO was about 2 months. It's been pretty regular since I've gotten it back. I'm now 5 days late and when I took a HPT the other morning it came back with what looked like a positive but the line was kind of faint. Because the line was faint I'm still not 100% convinced.