Pregnant while breastfeeding?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone gotten pregnant while still breastfeeding? I know it is rare, but I have heard of this happening more often. I'm nursing my 11 month old and we are trying for our next. Haven't been on BC at all. I've had two periods, but the second one came nearly two months after my first... so, I almost thought our first month trying worked!

Any similar stories? suggestions? support?

[Anonymous]

I'm pregnant with #2, who was conceived while I was breastfeeding #1. I got my period when #1 was about a year and a half and we conceived within two months (while still bf-ing). Just relax and have lots of sex! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

That's good to know!! Thank you. Any others?

[Anonymous]

Got pregnant while nursing 18-month-old. I don't think it's that unusual. Prob more unusual To be nursing that long.

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant with breastfeeding my 9 month old. Hadn't even gotten my period back, just lucky to catch the first egg! With your period back it may get more regular and easier for timing. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Why don't you just wean? It will make your life a little easier when you have morning sickness.

[Anonymous]

YES! Got pregnant while exclusively breastfeeding my 3 month old. I was able to keep nursing till she was 7 months, then my supply really tanked and it was really taxing on me. I dont know how to describe it but nursing literally started zapping the energy out of me to the point of complete exhaustion.

[Anonymous]

Yup, got pregnant while (extended) breastfeeding twice (on purpose). Had to stop nursing once pregnant because it hurt to nurse tender breasts were always my first sign of pregnancy. Myth that story about not being able to get pregnant while nursing.

[Anonymous]

Another one. Pregnant twice while nursing toddlers. You can get pregnant while breastfeeding and the only time breastfeeding could be relied on to prevent pregnancy is the first six months, and even then only under certain very narrow conditions (exclusive breastfeeding, no bottles, no pacifier, keeping baby close at all times). And even with that, it is not surefire. (I did all that and still got my period back at 5 months.) On the flipside, there are some women who are very sensitive and will not get their periods back until they wean completely. Every woman is different.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

It is a lot about what else is your baby eating? I assume at 11 months your child is not getting all calories from breastfeeding. Also is your child sleeping through the night?

If you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility, you will get a better sense. I would also recommend temping.

I got pregnant twice while breast feeding - and had very long cycles. 40+ days. Only by temping was I able to understand when I was ovulating.

[Anonymous]

Why is this a surprise?

[Anonymous]

OP I am a little confused ... Didn't you struggle with infertility? Otherwise why is FET an issue in this at all? If so, you might not have the luck of someone younger who never struggled.

[Anonymous]

OP here - It took me 11 months the first time. I took Metformin and got pregnant the first month after that. I'm only in my twenties though.

I like breastfeeding. I don't want to give it up yet, but still want to try for another. It's good to hear so many people did while nursing. Thank you all!

Thanks for the book recommendation - ordered it!

[Anonymous]

Happened to a friend, twice, unexpectedly. (Well, I don't know how the second time could have been all that unexpected since she should've been aware by then.) Her first kid was also an accident! She wanted 3 kids, but I'm not sure if she wanted them as close together as all that ... still, whatever, she's happy.

[Anonymous]

OP here - it worked! expecting and nursing at 14 months. Thanks all for your encouragement!