Hi moms,
My husband and I are working on getting pregnant with #3. This will be my fourth pregnancy, and it seems like it's taking longer than normal. With my other babies, it was only a matter of one or two months; this one's going on four. Now, part of that, I'm sure, is that we're busy with our other two kids and this time around isn't quite as "exciting" as the other three were. But, I think we've been trying during my ovulation periods (I'm MUCH more aware of these now than I was with the other three). So here's my question: I'm still nursing our 28 month old, about two times a day. I read all the info I could find in my breastfeeding books, and everything I've found says that fertility resumes with your period--which for me was about 7 weeks postpartum (yeah, he was exclusively breastfed). Has anyone experienced this??? I have big anxiety issues that seem to be hormonally linked, as they get exponentially worse during pregnancy and all but disappear while I'm nursing. I was hoping to nurse through my first trimester in the hopes of it not being as miserable as it has in the past, but if I can't get pregnant, that will kinda ruin my plans! I know women are SUPPOSED to be able to get pregnant while breastfeeding (especially with a 2 1/2 yo) but I'm looking to hear from moms who couldn't. Thanks!
EDIT: I'm fairly certain I'm ovulating; what I'm wondering is if there's the possibility that the hormones that make me feel so good while breastfeeding are somehow hindering my ability to get pregnant and/or sustain a pregnancy?
My situation is a little bit different than yours but I was unable to get pregnant while I was breastfeeding my son. I had not gotten my period back yet though and my son was 15 months when I weaned him so that I could get pregnant. My period returned shortly and then I got pregnant. Since you already have your period back, theoretically you should be able to get pregnant. Good luck!
I got pregnant while breastfeeding my almost 2 year old. I even did it at night occassionally and I guess that is supposed to be the deciding factor as to whether or not you can. If you are not doing it a lot at night, I think it will be fine. Wow, you are probably the envy of many. It only takes you one or two months? 4 is not long at all. Give it time. I too nursed through my first trimester. That's so great that it has a positive effect on you, and we know it helps your little one. Just keep at it! I bet you are making your husband happy too!!
I just wanted to respond to the getting your period so soon postpartum. I did at about 12 weeks out with an exclusively breastfed baby. I was pregnant at six months postpartum. It just may be taking a little longer this time around. Remember it is a small window. Have you been doing anything to monitor when you ovulating? (taking temp, test kits)You could ask about running a hormone panel and check your adrenal function. If there is an imbalance in these areas re-balancing may help with both the anxiety and getting pregnant.
Before you start worrying too much, I think you should start charting your cycles- actually take your temperature every morning at the same time before getting up, using a basal body thermometer, and see if you actually are ovulating. Also check for mucous and other signs of fertility.
I have gotten pregnant twice while breastfeeding, so it is definitely possible.
I personnaly haven't nurse my kids as long as you have - congratz on that. My sister and I both have 2 1/2 year olds... she is still nursing her daughter and we both found out in Nov we were prego. Unfortunatly, she lost the baby at about 5 weeks... but she has also had multiple miscarrages through out her attempts, but does have 5 children. This will be my 5th.
I do how ever have POS... which means it is harder for me to get pregnant. Or atleast that is what I was told in 2001 when I just had one kid (then 6 yrs). Actually I was told "You were lucky you had you child at 17, I don't think you will ever be able to have children without assistance & even then chances are not good. Your eggs don't develope properly & because of that don't ever expect another child." It took from 2000 (when I stopped getting the shot) to around July of 2003 to get pregnant, when I had a girl in Mar 2004. Then I had a boy in Jun 2005 & 2007 and now I'm expecting in July.
Please don't get down about it or stress... I know we all have plans, but sometimes it's not ment to happen when we think it should for whatever reason. But if anything... I've learn what's ment to happen, will happen when it's suppose to. 9 yrs and 3 kids ago I was told never to expect to have anymore kids (not by one but two doctors) - and look at me now... I'm expecting another one.
Keep doing what is best for you and your baby, when and if the 3rd child is ment to be it will happen. Good luck!
((hugs)) I am used to getting pregnant right away too. I was nursing when I got pregnant....but my youngest is nearly three and all I've had are pregnancy losses since then. I wouldn't wean to get pregnant, as the nursing may have nothing to do with it. But you might want to be more active about seeing if you are really ovulating. You can have a period without ovulation.
S., mom to 4 girls on earth ages 2-7 and many Heavenly treasures
I got pregnant while breastfeeding my 14 month old (twice a day, morning and night). My period started 7-8 weeks postpartum, also. It took me over six months to get pregnant with my first, one month for the second. I wouldn't be too worried if it's only been four months, but maybe after six I would talk to your OB/GYN. Good luck, and (not to sound too patronizing!) take good care of yourself while you are pregnant and breastfeeding -- I let my body get too run down and had to stop! Best wishes!
