Natural Ways to Increase Fertility If Still Breastfeeding

I'm in a similar situation, except I'm not trying for another kid yet. My daughter is 17 mos old. I had one period when she was 14 mos old and then one really light period a month ago. I've been keeping track of my fertility through cervical mucus and temperature, and I don't think I've even ovulated. To answer your question, your fertility depends on how sensitive your body is. The first thing to try is to not nurse during the night, which may be already happening. But some people (like my sister) need to completely wean before being fertile. I'd also recommend tracking your fertility. Take Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler is good for explaining that.

Hello P.-
I went through the same thing while I was nursing my son and wanting to get pregnant again. I talked to the doctor and did some research and granted a lot of women are able to get pregnant while nursing, its usually hard to. I stopped nursing at 13 months and now 5 months later am finally on a regular cycle and hopefully this summer we can get pregnant again. But really you just have to look at what is more important, continuing to nurse your 21 month yr old or trying to concieve another one? What are your nursing goals, how long do you really plan on nursing? This could be a great time to start weaning and getting ready for baby #2. After stopping nursing completely it took about a month to get a period, it took me about 3 weeks to wean, slowly cutting back from 3 to 2to 1time a day and then done, no bottle or anything. So, just look at what you want to do, start baby number #2 or nurse your 21 month yr old? But really, anything else, good luck with. I read books, and tried talking with the doctor to find ways around it, but nursing just stops your body from doing other natrual things, I tried for like 6 months (nursing and getting pregnant) but no luck then my hubby deployed so I was out of luck. But good luck and I hope you figure it out.

You can wean in two weeks, the sooner the better! This will only get harder and harder on you if you become pregnant. As kids get older it becomes alot harder. Good luck.

Using vitex (also called chasteberry) tincture daily can also help. I have used it to regulate my cycle when it returned about a year after baby's arrival.

In addition to the other responses:
http://thefertilityshop.com/fertility_herbs_vitamins.htm

I would say clean up your diet and exercise as much as possible. Cut things like milk that are mucus-forming so that your body is free from infections and things that slow down the healing and building process.

If you want to do your own research, look up fertility herbs, then look up the individual ingredients to make sure they are safe. There was a good suggestion down below.

I got pregrant while I was nursing, and so did a lot of my friends. My periods where still irregular. So it is possible. However, I do think you need to cut back on the feedings. The less you feed him the more likely it will occur.

Plenty of women are able to get pregnant while still nursing and then even go on to tandem nurse...so don't assume that you need to wean first. (I know you weren't assuming that but in light of some of the other posts I felt it needed to be said!)

www.fertilityfriend.com is a site that some of my friends have used to chart their cycles. Maybe try that... it'll at least help you figure out what your exact situation is. I've also had friends who swore by that 'Take Charge of Your Fertility' book so that's probably another good resource.

Best of luck!

Hi P.,
If you haven't had a cycle in 6 mo. but prior to this did have a cycle then it sounds as if hormones are the culprit...

But since you are breastfeeding it is best to hold off getting pregnant since your body just cannot produce enough for you, baby & your son. Once he is weaned you are good-to-go. And that may let nature take care of itself.

Once he is weaned if you still have delayed or irregular cycles a good hormone balancing cream such as Arbonne's Prolief (www.naturallylovely.myarbonne.com >shop online> natural balancing creams> prolief)can help to regulate your hormones naturally & get your cycle back on track. Can't wait to hear from you soon about your new "bun in the oven". ;0)

I would agree with some of the other posts, although it is possible to get pregnant while nursing. It is not as easy if you do not have your regular period return. You will need to have your ovulation/period schedule return to a "normal" pattern to more easily become pregnant. I nursed my now 21 month old until he was 18 months. I did not have a period at all the entire nursing time (even when I only nursed once a day). My period returned exactly 2 weeks after he was weaned completely and has been regular ever since (3 months now). We are now going to work on #2 sometime this summer. Good luck to you!