How easy is it to get pregnant if you are breastfeeding?

Question

I recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy and am breastfeeding. I plan to breastfeed until he is about one year. I know the hormone prolactin(released when breastfeeding) is supposed to prohibit your menstrual cycle but also know of people getting pregnant when breastfeeding. I don't necessarily want to get pregnant again, but don't believe in birth control, so basically, I was just wandering how easy it is to get pregnant when breastfeeding or if it is a rare circumstance that one would get pregnant when breastfeeding. Any experience or logical/factual answers would be appreciated and where information like this can be found would be appreciated too!!!

Answer 1

Some people refer to breastfeeding as natural contraception. It's true that a woman who is nursing a baby may experience a delay in the return of her periods, and that in general, nursing moms are less likely to become pregnant than moms who are finished nursing or who didn't nurse. But breastfeeding is by no means a foolproof method of preventing pregnancy. The longer you nurse, the more likely it is that your periods will start again while you're still breastfeeding. And since you ovulate (release an egg) before that first period comes, you can even get pregnant without having a period.

If you do get pregnant, there is no need to stop breastfeeding. Nursing, in itself, won't harm either your older child or the developing baby. It can be hard on you, though. Both breastfeeding and pregnancy make extensive demands on your body, and it's vital that you get enough nutrition and fluids to support your child, your fetus, and yourself. That can be hard if you're dealing with nausea, fatigue, or other symptoms of early pregnancy -- not to mention caring for your older child. Despite your best efforts, you may find your milk supply drops as your body struggles with competing demands. Make sure your health care provider and your child's pediatrician know you're nursing, so they can monitor all three of you for appropriate growth.

If you want to get pregnant and your periods have not yet returned, be aware that your fertility is, if not eliminated, probably diminished. If you want to get pregnant soon, you may want to consider weaning to increase your chances of conception. If you're willing to take your time, then you can simply have regular unprotected sex in hopes that you will conceive soon after your fertility returns. In any event, it's wise not to try to conceive too soon; closely spaced pregnancies can increase your chance of pregnancy complications such as preterm labor and low birth weight. Studies suggest that a new mother should give her body at least nine months to recover before she conceives again, meaning births should be spaced at least 18 months apart.

Answer 2

Not only is it easy to get pregnant while breastfeeding, but most women do.....My family and my ex-husband's family were all Catholic. My saint of a mother-in-law was the most wonderful,patient woman I have ever known....She would not use any form of birth control.

She had fifteen pregnancies. Three were still born or she miscarried. She had six boys and six girls. She never had a period because she got pregnant while nursing and when the next one was born, she started breastfeeding that one and put the other one on a bottle....

The family had to force her to have a hysterectomy at fifty years old because her uterus was falling out of her body.. She would not do it until she got permission from the bishop.

That's a strongly convicted woman for you. So, the answer to your question is a resounding YES you can become pregnant while nursing. Look at it this way, you could go years without a nasty period if you want to be the next old woman in the shoe.
I hope you are not too young to know that nursery rhyme.

Let me know how you feel about breastfeeding when the little guy cuts his first tooth...

Answer 3

They say that breastfeeding is a natural birth control device. So technically you should be safe but unfortunately there are no guarantees in life.Even if a nursing book tells you something there is always a chance it is wrong. I used birth control after my second and ended up with a third anyway!I wouldn't trade her for a million dollars. I met a woman who had her tubes tied and had a baby anyway. My husband is an expert at the pull it out before it goes off technique.That has been foolproof so it's worth a try if you don't want birth control. Good luck.

Answer 4

They say that breastfeeding helps you not to get pregnant but just like whatever like beginning manipulate and condoms it is not a hundred% correct. My SIL was breastfeeding and took the mini tablet and didn't miss any and she still acquired pregnant. She did miscarry quickly after however it used to be might be 2 months after beginning. To be safe i would wear a condom or see what other methods of contraceptives are just right to make use of whilst breastfeeding like spermicide and such. Just right success and congrats on lil one!

Answer 5

They say that breastfeeding is helping you to not get pregnant however identical to whatever like start manage and condoms it is not one hundred% correct. My SIL used to be breastfeeding and took the mini capsule and did not pass over any and she or he nonetheless bought pregnant. She did miscarry quickly after but it surely used to be probably two months after start. To be dependable I might put on a condom or see what different approaches of contraceptives are well to make use of whilst breastfeeding like spermicide and such. Good Luck and congrats on lil one!

Answer 6

I don't think breastfeeding is a magic contraceptive.

Whether you're using natural family planning (which does work when done correctly, by the way), or other methods, I'd keep using those methods.

Answer 7

VERY I got pregant while breastfeeding my eldest when she was 2 months old. Dont believe the hype. I have two born 8-26-03 and 8-04-04..................................... 11 1/2 months apart!!! Still use protection or use birth control.

Answer 8

you can get pregnant while breastfeeding..... and its as easy as getting pregnant is any other time if you arent using birth control...

my sister-in-law heard the same thing you did, and she got pregnant 1 month after she was able to resume having sex....

Answer 9

You certainly will not get pregnant if you are not having intercourse...But if you are, you are a good candadate, breastfeeding or not. Use protection unless you want your son to have a little brother.

Answer 10

My son was 5 mos old and exclusively breastfed and we used protection, anything can happen, if you dont want to get pregnant just be as careful as you would be normally.