Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

For most new mothers, getting pregnant is probably the last thing on their mind as they’re in the early breastfeeding stages with their new babies, but you may have given some thought to when your next baby might be.

Most moms are doing their best to enjoy these early months with their little ones and don’t give much thought to when they’ll have another kid, especially while breastfeeding, but understanding your fertility at this time is something that all mothers should know.

So, can you get pregnant while breastfeeding, and what are the real chances? The simple answer is yes, it is totally possible for a breastfeeding woman to still get pregnant, although the chances are slightly reduced. However, this is something that all mothers should be mindful of and take the correct measures if they’re concerned about the outcome.

This guide answers all of the important questions about getting pregnant while breastfeeding and what the likelihood is. Whether you’re trying to get pregnant again or want to avoid it, all nursing mothers should be aware of the science behind pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the human body and what it all means.

Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

Many nursing mothers will wonder if it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, and it’s definitely worth keeping in mind if you’re still nursing your baby. It is entirely possible to get pregnant while you’re nursing, so although there are many old wives’ tales out there that claim otherwise, you need to be aware of how this can affect your chances.

Mothers will experience a period of infertility after they give birth, and this is referred to as lactational amenorrhea. This is when the body naturally stops menstruating while you’re breastfeeding, which is where most of the confusion comes from regarding being able to get pregnant when nursing.

Breastfeeding usually delays ovulation as well, so with both of these working together, it’s easy to see why people assume you can’t get pregnant. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a foolproof method, so someone who is actively trying to not get pregnant will still need to take other measures. For breastfeeding moms who do wish to fall pregnant again, you may be expected to work a little harder at it.

Those who are thinking about trying IVF or other fertility treatments, this is something you’ll have to discuss with a health professional. There are some cases where breastfeeding might hinder these methods, so you’ll want to know exactly how it could impact you.

Can Breastfeeding Be Used as Contraception?

There is a common method of contraception used when breastfeeding known as the lactation amenorrhea method, which relies on the body’s natural processes. Some experts believe that using this method can be over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it requires all three of the following to be true:

1. Your baby is less than six months old
2. Your baby is exclusively breastfed and feeds frequently
3. Your periods have not returned

If all three are correct, you’ll have a much greater chance of success using this contraception method, but nothing can ever be 100%. Some mothers are happy to just continue breastfeeding and then see what happens, but if you’re planning on using this method as your main form of contraception, you definitely need to tick all of those boxes.

Depending on what your family’s goals are, keep these factors in mind when determining whether nursing will have an impact. There’s no way that any single method of contraception can be totally foolproof, so plan according to your future goals for a family.

Understanding Postpartum Contraception

Postpartum is the best time to take a closer look at methods of contraception. When choosing contraception, timing is important. Some birth control methods can be started right away following childbirth, but other methods require that you wait a few weeks before you can start.

Birth control is also safe to use while breastfeeding. However, there are a few methods that are not recommended during your first few weeks of breastfeeding because there is a chance it can affect your milk supply.

Finally, you need to consider that the birth control method you were using before you got pregnant may not be as effective as you thought. Therefore, you shouldn't be afraid to explore and research other options to determine which would be the most effective for you for preventing pregnancy.

When Does Fertility Return After Breastfeeding?

For those wanting to get pregnant immediately after their baby is born, you might be wondering when your fertility will start to rise. There’s no right or wrong time, and it will all depend on the individual family but knowing when your fertility will start to return definitely helps with the equation.

These signs can all indicate a return to fertility and the likelihood of conceiving being greater:

If you are not ready to conceive again and you’re still nursing, you’ll want to track ovulation while breastfeeding to see what your current cycle is like. It’s very possible that having a baby has thrown everything out of whack and it can take some time to get regular again, so being on top of your dates and cycles can make it easier to find success.

According to the experts, most mothers find that their periods return between nine to 18 months after giving birth. This number changes dramatically from woman to woman and should only ever be used as a guide, so don’t be worried if your body is different.

Can I Bring My Fertility Back Sooner?

You can try experimenting with your breastfeeding pattern, but it is hard to predict when your fertility will really come back. If there are any abrupt changes, it may bring fertility back faster and at a much higher threshold than with gradual breastfeeding changes.

Knowing Your Body

Breastfeeding can make a lot of changes in our bodies, and it’s important to be patient with them as they try and return to normal. While it is definitely possible to get pregnant while you’re nursing your baby, the chances are slightly lower, so doing your research and knowing what factors can influence it is the best approach.

As breastfeeding mothers, the best thing we can do is feel comfortable and stress-free during the journey, whether it’s a supportive nursing bra or nursing glider that helps us achieve this peace. With the right supplies and a calm outlook, you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy this time as much as possible.

Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers

Breastfeeding can be a frustrating and challenging time for a new mother and the baby, so here are a few tips that can help new mothers.

Anticipate What Baby Needs

Instead of waiting for the baby to cry, you can watch for a few tell-tale signs showing they are hungry. When hungry, they may turn or raise their head repeatedly, open and close their mouth, stick out their tongue, and suck on whatever is near them.

Let the Baby Determine How Long to Nurse

Your baby knows what to do, so let them determine how long and how often they want to nurse. There shouldn't be a predetermined interval between feeding times either. Let baby run the show. Even if they only nurse for a few minutes, you need to trust that they know what they are doing.

Get Comfortable

One of the best things to do while breastfeeding is to get as comfortable as possible. You don't want to breastfeed in a position that is not supportive because you can become uncomfortable very quickly.

A nursery glider is a good piece of furniture to have because it allows you to settle into a more comfortable position while alleviating any strain or pressure you are putting on your back, shoulders, and neck.

Stay Hydrated

You also need to stay hydrated while breastfeeding. Water is how you replenish your body, so you should try to make a habit of drinking a glass of water every time you breastfeed the baby. Doing so helps ensure that you can make enough milk and stay hydrated.

Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

You can still breastfeed while you are pregnant. However, there may still be trace amounts of pregnancy hormones in the milk, but they are not harmful to the breastfed baby. When nursing, oxytocin is released in small amounts and is not enough to induce preterm labor. You should note that sometimes breastfeeding while pregnant can still possibly enhance some of your pregnancy side effects as well.