Conceiving While Breastfeeding
How to Take Control of Your Fertility
Conceiving while breastfeeding is easy for some women. A select few see their menstrual flow return six weeks post partum just like non-breastfeeding mothers. Others won't see the return of Aunt Flo for eighteen months even after they do completely wean the baby. But for most, it is a little easier to trick those eggs into returning. (A very lucky few who are trying to conceive never see a period at all because they catch the first egg!)
One step a woman can take in reclaiming her fertility is simply through night-weaning. This is all it takes for some women and it is a good option for those not ready to completely stop providing their baby with the benefits of breast milk. As a baby nears the six month mark, he is less likely to be getting as hungry during the night. If he is still waking to nurse, it is likely that he wants to comfort nurse. Instead of obliging with the breast, find another way to comfort him back to sleep. Patting him softly, singing, or rocking may work.
There are alternatives to night weaning if baby won't go for it. The general consensus is that if you can go at least six hours between a feeding at least once a day, it may trigger ovulation. Doing it during the day may be easier, as you can distract the baby with other activities and, if he is ready, supplement with solids. (It is important not to deprive baby if he is really hungry, but by six months he should be able to go longer without eating and should be old enough for solids.)
Charting your ovulation is a good way to take control of your fertility. That is done by taking body temperature daily with a basal thermometer, paying attention to changes in cervical mucous, and tracking your period. Without a period, of course, this chart is more difficult. However, it is still a good idea to chart any other information, as you may ovulate the first time before any sign of menstruation.
None of these methods are foolproof, as every woman's body works differently. However, conceiving while breastfeeding is possible. For some women, the baby will have to be completely weaned, but it is good to try these other methods before going that route if you do not wish to completely stop nursing. There are many books available on the subject that go into much more detail if night weaning and introduction of solids does not prove successful.
Published by Dinah Laurel
Dinah Laurel is a freelance writer who specializes in online content development. View profile
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- Most women who exclusively breastfeed do not ovulate or menstruate until their baby is weaned.
- Conceiving while breastfeeding is tricky since it is hard to track one�s fertility without a period.
- One step a woman can take in reclaiming her fertility is simply through night-weaning.
5 Comments
Post a CommentAnyone who says breastfeeding exclusivly will postpone ovulation needs to become more educated. I got my period at 3mths after having my 1st son. I nursed him around the clock and he slept in bed with us. I used to say he used me as his pacifier because he was constantly on the breast...After my second,a girl, I got my period at 6 weeks, still exclusivly breastfeeding. And now, our 3rd child is 8 weeks and I am ovulating. It really angers me to see articles saying that breastfeeding exclusively is an effective way to prevent ovulation. It is certainly not true in my case!
I concieved my son while still nursing my daughter. She was 20 months old when I concieved and it was my 5th PP cycle. My periods returned on their own at 14 months PP. This time we are wanting to concieve sooner and my periods haven't returned. He doesn't nurse much at night anymore and goes at least 8 hours at least 2 times a week without nursing but my cycles still haven't returned. We are planning to use vitex to encourage things back.
Be cautious about nightweaning. Babies get the most nutrition during nighttime hours. I would suggest contacting a local LLL (La Leche League) chapter to get advice if you are contemplating nightweaning.
My 21 month old is still nursing, and I am now 18 weeks pregnant. I had an IUD for the first year and conceived #2 four months after having it removed. That's the same amount of time it took for us to conceive our son. I didn't have to change our nursing schedule at all.
Hayley, you're very ignorant. Breastfeeding at 2 years is not freaky. Breastmilk continues to provide immunological benefits. It is easily-digestible and is a good food when a child is sink. It is also comforting to children. Breastfed toddlers, like breastfed babies, are healthier overall. The WHO recommends nursing until age 2, and the worldwide weaning average is 4 1/2. Babies aren't fully ready for solids until 6-9 months, because their digestive systems aren't ready and haven't formed all the necessary enzymes. Weaning at six months is riduclous; your baby needs a diet of milk until a year old, and breast milk is the BEST form of milk to give for HUNDREDS of reasons. It is completely unhealthy to wean at six months or to start solids before that point. Go read the AAP's recommendations.