Getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

[Iggy13]

Anyone manage this?

I have a 10 month old who I'm breastfeeding morning, mid afternoon and evening.

Am enjoying feeding but would like to try for another baby reasonably soon. Most things I read suggest it will be difficult to conceive while breastfeeding so would be interested to know if others have. Thanks

[Pickle]

Happened very easily for me - my baby was 9 months and I was feeding him around 4 times a day.

[ClareC]

Happened unintentionally for me; fell pregnant the first week baby one started solids ie 6 mths. Given she was exclusively BF up until that point and it's not like they eat much in the way of solids in week one it's definitely possible.

My periods hadn't returned at that point either.

15mth Age gap was tough for a couple of years but lovely now; they are 4 and 3 now.

Good luck x

Edited to add I continued bf number one until over 12 months - weaned her off as didn't like the idea of feeding 2,

[bluesuperted]

Fell pregnant (planned) while breastfeeding my toddler who was c.22 months at the time. Carried on breastfeeding til I was about 16 weeks pregnant (toddler 26 months) and it was a very gentle transition as my milk supply had diminished by then and we were both ready to wean. I did 'don't offer don't refuse' for literally a few days and my son stopped easily. I did cry a lot though, double duty breastfeeding cessation and pregnancy hormones!!

[Mariamadeit]

We intentionally tried for a small age gap but it didn't happen (no periods) until we stopped bf at 13 months, fell pg next month then miscarried. Fortunately fell pg again not long after and I would say the reflexology I was having really helped with that. They do it at mothers inc if you are interested. It's different for everyone and there doesn't seem to be any rule of thumb, just go for it and see what happens.

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[pinkglitter]

Yep my daughter was 10 months when I became pregnant again; once we'd stopped night feeds my period came back once and then I became pregnant, was still doing 4 daytime feeds. A month or so in I decided to stop BF as I was finding it painful, slightly earlier than planned but never mind. So it can happen! Good luck x

[sillywoman]

breastfeeding as contraceptive is only proof if you're:

- feeding every 3-4 hourly day AND night

- your periods haven't returned

- Your infant is taking no other forms of nutrition of hydration e.g no food, no formula, no water, no nothing - only breast milk.

I'd guess by 10 months these rules don't apply to you now? Sooo ... you're good to go ;)

[Iggy13]

Thanks for your responses, definitely sounds possible!

[Gooders79]

Unintentional for us but yes very possible. Periods hasn't returned, still feeding during day, possibly night I can't remember, and only did a test as I felt sick all the time, was nearly 10 weeks before we realised...

[echo]

I also got pregnant, whilst bf my first.

[Youngrach]

I did also, baby 10 months

[bluesuperted]

I have a friend that did, when qualifying for breastfeeding contraceptive protection (as sillywoman outlines above). Baby was 5m, exclusively breastfed, no solids, feeding every 1.5hrs day and night, no periods. Needless to say she was shocked! The periods thing is quite difficult to gauge because you may well ovulate before your periods return, there are groups online dedicated to CTFE (catching the first egg)...

[Pickle]

My periods hadn't returned when I conceived either, it was a bit of a surprise!

[JDR]

Ditto above, pg when exclusively BFing. 14 month gap. Hard work then, lovely now

[etta166]

On the other hand, I have a 2 year gap and 2 years 2 months the next time. I didn't find it possible to conceive while BF or for months after I stopped. I didn't get my period back for another 3-4 months after stopping.

[GinaG3]

Breastfeeding as a contraception is doable but has to meet a lot of strict criteria. Mainly focusing on night time feeding. Most women will find they don't meet all of these to be 100% protected and will end up falling pregnant while feeding even whilst thinking they are safe. If your feeding less than 12 times a day, your baby is taking other forms of nutrition and your periods have returned you are most likely able to fall pregnant, I have heard cases where women fell pregnant again even with no return of periods. If its something you want to do I'd just do it.

Also, it will have no effect on breastfeeding but if your current child is still breastfeeding during your second trimester, you may find your child starts to wean as the milk starts to change in taste etc in preparation for the new baby.

Best of luck.

[East2]

I also got pregnant at 9 months whilst exclusively breast feeding!

[Honoroaky]

For us I had to go down to one feed a day before I fell pregnant again. By that time my son was 21 months. I carried on feeding at bedtime for another few months (ouchie!) Until he self weaned just around 25 months.

Currently feeding baby girl who's 19 months about 5/6 times a day so I don't think there's any danger of a baby #3 for us yet!