Seeking Advice on Getting Pregnant While Continuing to Breastfeed

I was still breastfeeding my daughter when I got pregnant with my son. I got my first period I think when my daughter was 16 months...and I got pregnant at 18 months...So, it can happen! When I went to the doctor and they said I was pregnant, I told him I was not...I was breastfeeding! Lol! Good luck!

I agree that the lack of period is more likely related to being on the pill than breastfeeding. It can take a couple months for your cycle to reset after being on the pill, but also remember that if you want to get pregnant now then there is a chance so take precautions until you are ready. I have a friend who went off the pill and never got her next cycle because she WAS pregnant. She ovulated immediately upon coming off the pill and went straight into pregnancy and never had that first pill free period.

I did get pregnant with number 2 while still breastfeeding number 1, but it took longer than I would have liked. I did not get my period back until after 2 years of nursing. I was not on the pill at all. But then after 2 periods, I was pregnant without even trying. My kids are 3 years apart, instead of the 2 years apart I would have liked. But that has turned out to be a great thing for so many reasons. Now I can see that having them closer together would have been a LOT harder and they still love to play together. I would just encourage you to try to be patient and let nature take its course.

Breastfeeding usually would not prevent pregnancy at this point. I have gotten pregnant while still breastfeeding twice. The first time I actually did not have a period between pregnancies. You do not have to wean. Most recently I got pregnant while still breastfeeding a 15 month old. She was doing morning, afternoon and bedtime feedings. She continued to breastfeed until 20 months when she decided to wean on her own. My midwife mentioned that after 20 weeks of pregnancy the milk does change and some children will self wean at this point but I have friends who tandem breastfed a toddler and a baby. For me 20 months was a good time for her to wean and has given me a 4 month break before this next baby comes.

I had all 5 of my kids within 6 years, and so became pregnant while breastfeeding for a couple of them. It takes a lot of energy, there are hormonal changes, and you're working...so was I, and the combination was too much, not enough rest; I chose to wean each baby shortly after becoming pregnant again...your body 'resets' to provide for the pregnancy; watch your iron and calcium

I weaned my son at 13 months and got pregnant right away, I never even got a period. I did not use birth control after my sons birth and did not use condoms either, still - I did not get pregnant until I stopped breastfeeding. You may find it easier to get pregnant if you cut down to less feedings. I know that there are tons of women who have gotten pregnant while breastfeeding and even continued to breastfeed their first child long after the new baby was born so I would say its possible, but if you want to speed things up maybe you could try to get your babe on only one of two breastfeedings a day - then your body may start ovulation?

Hi there,

I was on the mini pill for the 12 months that I nursed my daughter....and bravo to you for nursing so long! I had a period when I started decreasing nursing, so I had my period at the point you are at. So it may come soon for you as well.
The thing that I didn't see mentioned is that, once you get pregnant, your milk soon turns back to colostrum. Nursing babies don't like that, so they usually self ween at that point, or soon after.
Just thought I would let ya know!
Good luck!

I got pregnant with my second "without trying" when my daughter was 13 months old. I nursed her for 2 more months, and then we stopped. But I had no trouble getting pregnant...though it was never a challenge for us. I think you should be fine to continue nursing and get pregnant. Good luck!

I got pregnant with #2 while I was still nursing my then 14 month old. I had started my period though. I think as the nursing becomes a little less frequent you will start your period and then as you ovulate you will become pregnant. So I say just do not worry about birth control and before you know it you will be preggers again.

I don't have my own experience to share, but my SIL got pregnant with her second son while nursing her first. She said that she was told her milk would decrease, but it didn't. She and my brother wanted to just get pregnant with #2 asap after having #1. It took them a few months, and my nephews are 16 months apart, I believe. It might be closer to 17; to be honest I'm not remembering my new nephew's birthday (I've been busy with moving since before he was born.) I know she nursed her older son until just a bit after he was 12 months. She didn't have to wean, she chose to, but I know she nursed for several months while she was pregnant.

First, I believe the first line of your post should read "13 MONTH old".

You were on the minipill and that can suppress the return of periods. Now that you are off of it, your periods may very well return without any further action. Nursing 3x daily isn't that much.

Start charting for fertility signs.

1st. Go to kellymom.com, they have the best breastfeeding advice.

2nd. From everything I've read breastfeeding should not impact conception. You may find after you get pregnant that your milk changes and #1 might not want to nurse anymore. So that may play a part in when you want to get pregnant depending on when you would be happy weaning.

I breastfed my daughter until I got pregnant with our son. I did not want to stop nursing but I had to because due to changing hormones my breasts got very tender and it felt like my nursing daughter was biting me. I do know mothers who successfully breastfeed while pregnant and have no problems with it. I guess experiences are different depending on your own body. If I were you I would wait a few more months to get pg. AF