Breastfeeding and Getting Pregnant

by Colleen
(Reading, PA USA)

Breastfeeding and Getting Pregnant

Visitor Question: I am breastfeeding my baby. She's almost 9 months and I've been breastfeeding the whole time. I haven't gotten my period yet. I am trying to get pregnant. What can I do to become pregnant?

Breastfeeding Magazine Response:
The ability to get pregnant while breastfeeding varies from woman to woman.

Some will have no problems conceiving. Others may take a while. Others still may find they have to completely wean before conception will occur.

However, there are several things you can do to help you return to full fertility:

* Have more time between feedings

* Eliminate (or cut back on) night breastfeeding to allow at least one six-hour period without breastfeeding.

* Make breastfeeding sessions shorter.

* Encourage your child to eat more solid foods ...at least up to approximately 25 percent of her diet.

Decreasing the total amount of time that you spend breastfeeding will help the return of your period and increase the the possibility of pregnancy.

For more information, see our article: Getting Pregnant when Breastfeeding.

Good Luck!