Wanting to Get pregnant...still Breastfeeding

Updated on November 21, 2006
C.P. asks from Topeka, KS
21 answers

Okay, this may seem silly, but I am currently breastfeeding my 6 month old, and I want to get pregnant! I want to have many kids, and I know having kids too close together can be stressful and everything....but I've just been itching to get pregnant again! But, I don't want to quit breastfeeding yet! Does anyone have any ideas on how I could increase my chances? I have started her on solids and she sleeps through the night, but still no sign of my fertility having returned.

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M.H.

answers from Wichita on

hey darling...i REALLY think you should wait on that baby idea...just spend some time getting to know the first baby

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T.T.

answers from Wichita on

Take birth control for a month. Also, just because you don't think you're fertile doesn't mean you're not.

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M.S.

answers from Wichita on

I've read about this, and I would definitely check in with your doctor, because research says that pregnancies that happen with less than 18 months of recovery time from the last pregnancy have more chances of being preemies, low birth weight, and always being small for their age. It is also h*** o* your body, because it needs time to recover. I also get really good information on breastfeeding from the La Leche Leagues book "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding." If you look up La Leche League, you can find a support group in your area that would be really helpful!

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R.R.

answers from Springfield on

I don't have any helpful advice. My best friend got pregnant when her son was only 3 months old. Now that son does not get the attention and needs he deserves, seems they are too close together. Your body also needs time to recover from the last baby. Good for those who have had kids so close together with no problems... but be aware of the problems that can arise from this. Just because others say they couldn't be happier and had no problems does not mean you won't. It takes a toll on you both physically and mentally. Good luck with what you decide!

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J.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Forget all the nay-sayers and go for it!! My babies are 12 mos. apart and we all love every minute of it. There is absolutely NO harm in breastfeeding while pregnant. No nutrients are stolen from the fetus - I breastfed/pumped the entire first year for my first while pregnant the entire time with my second. (Both of my grandmothers had 10 and 9 kids and none were more than 18 mos. apart, some only 11!) I checked with my OB who said it's an old wivestale that the breastfed one is "stealing". It actually made me healthier and made for a quick and easy childbirth since your uterus never fully contracted to it's normal size. Both of my children are above the 50% for body size and are way above average for their recommended motor skills. We love having them so close in age (you don't forget much about how/when to do things). We're hoping to have another one soon too so that they're all close in age. keep trying - practicing is the fun part!!

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A.L.

answers from Kansas City on

C.:

You should do what you want however, you just had a baby! Your body needs time to recover (plus, you are nursing). It's great that you want to have more kids, but what is the rush (are you close to 40)? Ideally, our bodies need 16-18 months to recover from child birth. Talk to your OB, but maybe you should just enjoy this time with your baby and let your body heal. When it is ready, it will happen
A. L

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D.T.

answers from Tulsa on

you're body will start ovulating when it feels ready to support another baby.

just remember that old saying, "The mind is willing but the flesh is weak"? Well that applies here. Your mind may have a timeline but you can't always count on your body to comply.

my older two are 12 years apart. It's not for lack of trying. I had 5 pregnancies in those 12 years and had miscarriage after miscarriage.

You will ovulate first before you have a period. So if you are having periods then you and your husband aren't doing it at the right times.

I got pregnant again after ds#2 when I cut back on breast feeding. He was 4.5 months old. My pregnancy didn't survive past 8 weeks and I had to have my gallbladder removed 2 months later.

Just remember you're body has to be ready.

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A.G.

answers from Springfield on

All I can suggest is have sex. A friend of mine got pregnant while breastfeeding, she kept breastfeeding during the pregnancy and now she breastfeeds both of them! LOL

Just stay positive and hopefully you'll get what you want.

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R.U.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I used www.fertilityfriend.com to track fertility when I was ttc while bf. My milk dried up when I was only 9wks pg but thankfully my little guy was on table food by then.

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M.B.

answers from Charlottesville on

I have two friends that recently got pregnant (one due two days ago!) that were actively breastfeeding and did not have a regular period. I would check with your doctor.

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C.

answers from Tulsa on

I am sorry, I might have sounded harsh. I am also sorry that I did not answer your question about being fertile and getting pregnant while nursing your 6 month old. Please forgive me. You know your situation better than I do. I wish you all the best.

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A.W.

answers from Oklahoma City on

This may take some time.Your body knows your busy with this other new baby.Just have patience when your body is ready again to have another baby you'll get pregnant.Children are wonderful.I love mine very much,but a healthy pregnancy and baby are top priority.Please don't rush this natural process.While you wait you have a beautiful baby with you right now to love and hold and spoil.Enjoy this one,no baby is like your first.That is your a new parent and there's a new discovery for you and your baby everyday.

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S.C.

answers from Springfield on

I got pregnant while still breastfeeding my toddler and I just thought I would let you know that breastfeeding became very painful and my nipples were sore hormonally, so nothing external helped. Also, my milk supply really dropped. FYI.

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C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I just wanted to reasuure you that although others might not think it is a good idea to have children so close in age....it can be a great thing. My children are all very close in age. The oldest will 8 tomorrow, the next one is 5 1/2, then 4 1/2, the youngest just turned 3 last month. My children all love each other and are thriving socially, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I do not have advice on how to get preganant while nursing....mine just happened. Best of luck to you. Although it is not the easiest thing to have children close in age it is a very rewarding experience. C.

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M.B.

answers from Kansas City on

C. - Everyone may be telling you that you're nuts, but I am in your exact situation. My son is four and a half months old - and my husband and I would like another one as soon as possible. We have discussed this with both my OB and our son's pediatrician and both have been very supportive of our decision to try while breastfeeding. Both my mother and my sister conceived while breastfeeding - it's possible and if you want advice on the health of everyone involved (you, new baby and potential baby) - talk to your doctor and pediatrician. Don't let anyone else tell you what is right for your family. Good luck. :)

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P.B.

answers from Peoria on

You know what? God is good all the time and all the time God is good. See, not only does He pick who He wants to keep His children, He deceides on when. Take your time, let things come as they may. I'd atleast not worry about it until the first is potty trained and out of pampers
Queen
P.S. we want you to be stress free when you do get pregnant again. I loved the feel of being pregnant also, but He spaced mine very well

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C.S.

answers from St. Louis on

I dont think you have to wait for any "signs", lots of people get pregnant right away. try using those at home fertility indicators, that could help. Soo... keep trying and good luck. You are a brave woman!!

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R.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Chrsitine...I wasn't able to get pregnant again until I totally quit breastfeeding. It happened the month after. bummer, I know. Hopefully yours will be sooner! Every women is different.

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M.K.

answers from Springfield on

Just to let you know I work at St. Johns in the NICU and we have had numerous babies in the unit recently that are VERY sick because mom was still breastfeeding another baby while pregnant and she robbed the growing baby of the nutrients that it needed!!! I think God knew what he was doing when he made it really hard for us women to get pregnant while already feeding and taking care of the 1st gift he gave us!!! I just hope you realize that if you are to get pregnant and have to continue breastfeeding your baby, you need to consume 2x the normal daily intake!!! That means instead of 2000-2200 calories for a pregnant woman it would double...also the intake of water would need to increase to 128 ounces a day(that is (16) 8 ounces glasses)!!! Just thought I would let you know what you are about to take on!!Good Luck!!!

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B.B.

answers from St. Louis on

My kids are a year and a half apart and I nursed thru the 5 month pregnant mark with 2 of them. It was easy to get pregnant while nursing for me. I would check with a chiropractor that understands chinese meds, and does acupuncture. My cycles were very regular from 3 months post partum on as a result of seeing a chiropractor with #2 and 3. With my 1st I actually took a natural micronized progesterone supplement prescribed by my MD, which was not dangerous for the baby. It regulated my cycles too. Good luck!

B. :)

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A.P.

answers from Kansas City on

I got pregnant while breastfeeding and on the minipill, so I know it is possible. My boys were 18 months apart, and YES, IT IS STRESSFUL and very hard at first to take care of 2 babies. I would say to nurse as long as possible. It is the best thing you can do for the baby you currently have. I would hate to see you give up on that EXCELLENT source of nutrition and antibodies for that baby just to try for another. When you are done nursing, then you can try to get pregnant, and know that you didn't rob your oldest of anything.
just my $.02

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