How to Conceive While Breastfeeding & Menstrual Period Hasn't Returned

YEP! My kids are 15 months apart and I was breast feeding while I got pregnant the second time. I don't think my periods were regular at that time. I know you've probably heard it over and over, but try not to put so much focus on trying to concieve and it will happen again!
Sincerely,
Mommy with her hands full :)
ContentMommy.com

Hi A.,

I got pregnant when my son was 8 months old and still breastfeeding. I was also on birth control and still had not had one period! It is very possible, I would just say to try. You can also ask you doctor about it incase he has any concerns. But after I got pregnant, my milk supply started to decrease anyways so weaning my infant was no problem. Good luck!

I got pregnant within 8 months after I gave birth to my first child. I did not menstruating at all during the 8 months. I was also breastfeeding. We wanted a second child but because I was breastfeeding and not menstruating , I figure I was not going to get pregnant any time soon. Well, I was wrong.

That's how my greatgrandmother had so many children so close together! Some barely a year apart! It works as a contraceptive for some women but not for others.

Studies have shown that nursing as contraception is only effective when that is the ONLY source of food that an infant is given. Even plain old tapwater (because of the chemicals and impurities in it) trigger a response in the infants saliva that trigger a chemical response in the mum (through the nipple) that starts to get her reproductive system running again.

And yep....I've known nearly a hundred women (worked in a women's clinic for about a year) who got pregnant while breast feeding. Most of them had NOT gotten their period yet.

HOWEVER...I would speak with your doctor, and see if she or he has any recommendations. There may be something diet related you could do, or there could be something RX related you could do.

Good Luck!!!

Well - looks like you've got plenty of examples, but I too am one of those that got pregnant when my son was 5-6 months old and breastfeeding and I never got my period back. I say 5-6 months because due to the circumstances we are not exactly sure when we conceived and I haven't had my little girl yet, so only time will tell if the estimated due date is right. As far as not continuing to breastfeed once you're pregnant - I have never heard about that. My son continued until he was about 11 months and then self-weaned. My OB said that as you get further in your pregnancy sometimes the preggo hormones give the milk a different taste and some kids don't like it, but that is the only thing I heard about BF and pregnancy. Just don't forget to eat well enough to sustain yourself, your pregancy and your breastfeeding baby.
Good Luck!!

My menstrual cycle returned when my son was 15 months old and still breastfeeding. I had that one period, and got pregnant with my second son.

I know some women have gotten their periods while nursing and others didn't get it until they had stopped for two months. If you haven't gotten your period yet, then you probably need to wean completely before ovulating. Besides, I think nursing can cause contractions so you could miscarry even if you do conceive. Good luck!

I breatfed my now 3 yr old and got pregnat when she was 5 months old and we now have a 2 yr old boy-close in age. It can happen, but I would check with your Drfirst. L.

I got pregnant after my daughter was only 5 months. I was breastfeeding and had not had a period either. I continued to breastfeed for another 7 months and weaned my daughter gradually. By the time she turned one she was weaned and I was 8 months pregnant!

My son is almost 7 months now and I haven't gotten my period back yet. But at my six week checkup after delivery OBGYN made it a point to tell me that I even though I don't have my period yet that I can still get pregnant.

You should be abe to get pregnant... you shouldn't have a problem... just keep trying. My only concern for you is that my friend was breasfeeding and found out she was pregnant and her dr told her to stop breasfeeding immediately. I would speak to your doctor before trying and make sure you're taking prenatle vitamins.
Good luck!

Hi A. -

I got pregnant when my son was 9 months old, and I never had my period during that time. I was breastfeeding, too. I also got pregnant with my other son while I was breastfeeding my 11 month old. I guess it just depends on how fertile you are or if your timing is right. It never hurts to keep trying ;). Good luck, wish I had better advice.

Ask your OB/GYN

I got pregnant once while still nursing... and but I had a miscarriage at 6 weeks.

My Doc also said that nursing while pregnant can cause contractions...that is why it is not recommended. Although I know lots of nursing moms still nurse while pregnant due to the age of their existing child and they were still just a baby.

I had my periods even though I was breastfeeding, with both my children.

Since your periods are irregular... I would ask your OB/GYN. That would be the best conclusive answer.

And yes, STILL always take your prenatal vitamins...very important for any lactating Mom and one trying to get pregnant.

All the best,
Susan

its not definite that you will or wont get pregnant while breastfeeding or on a regular cycle! thats the amazing thing about our beautiful bodies, they still manage to stump the modern scientist!

i never really used contraceptives when i was breastfeeding and i never got pregnant while nursing my first two, but even using contraceptives after i stopped nursing my second i got pregnant with my third!
now i am still nursing my 11 month old and i am three months along with my fourth baby!

even the same body works all kinds of ways.

you just have to pray for it if you really want it to happen! pray and have faith, and trust in god and your body!

my first son was 10 mo old when i got pregnant with my second. i am now due march 1st got pregnant while nursing my second son was only 9 mo old. it is quite easy for most women to get pregnant while nursing. studies show about 90% of women are more fertile while pregnant while only about 10% are less. good luck