Are you trying to get pregnant while breastfeeding? Since when did having babies become so difficult? It seems more often than not you hear of unplanned pregnancy and ooops-babies! And we spend a great deal of our lives trying to NOT get pregnant. And then, when you decide you want to have a baby, suddenly conceiving becomes absolutely impossible, and consists of cookie-cutter, by-the-books sex: “No honey you have to be on top and my pelvis should be tilted at a 60 degree angle.” Suddenly, the science of fertility has replaced foreplay and sexy talk, and all the fun is gone.
Many families wish to have their children close in age. Half of my family feels this way, me being on one half and my husband being on the other. I began researching how to become pregnant while breastfeeding my 4 month old just in case my husband gives in (he usually does). However, to my dismay, exclusive breastfeeding is 98-99.5% effective in preventing pregnancy.
In fact, I consider myself to practice “Attachment Parenting,” which consists of baby wearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding and basically a baby glued to the hip. I am very affectionate and close with my children. However, this makes my chances of fertility nearly zero percent. I read that keeping your baby close, allowing them to use your breast for comfort, nursing while lying down at night and during naps, and breastfeeding on demand are great ways to ensure you will not get pregnant. Well who knew I created a form of birth control in my parenting style? I suppose maybe my husband did when he tried to roll over in bed to me and nearly crushed the baby...
All jokes aside, the frequency of breastfeeding is the leading factor on whether your fertility will return. The more you breastfeed, the less likely your body will begin to menstruate and ovulate and therefore, the less like you will become fertile again. So, if you are trying to get pregnant, I recommend asking yourself the following questions:
Is Your Baby At Least 6 Months of Age?
Once your baby is 6 months old, they may begin eating cereal, and baby foods in place of feedings, this will allow your body more of an opportunity to produce hormones needed for ovulation.
Are You Willing to Supplement Formula or Foods in Place of Breast-milk?
My baby is not willing to take a bottle of formula from me, so that certainly does not work for us, but the introdc=uction of foods should help my fertility return.
Does Your Baby Take a Pacifier?
One thing I have noticed in my own child is that she likes to nurse when she is sleepy, not because she is actually hungry, but because she uses my breast-milk as a soother (or as if it were a pacifier). By using a pacifier or helping your child find ways to self-soothe, this will be another way to cut out time on the breast.
Have You Started Your Period?
Some women have bodies which return back to their pre-pregnancy fertility more quickly. The sign of your period is a good thing! It means you are beginning to menstruate and ovulate more regularly and your body will be more likely to regain fertility.
Is Your Baby Sleeping Through the Night?
Like many of the other questions, this is a way for your baby to breastfeed less by cutting out nursing sessions throughout the night. Babies typically begin sleeping through the night between 3 to 8 months of age (if you’re lucky!!)
All in all, I would say pregnancy should not be rushed. Allow your body time to recover, and your baby time to breastfeed. Around 6 months, you can begin introducing baby food, praying for them to sleep through the night and actually dreaming of those menstral cramps to return. Then, if your lucky enough to get your significant other “on board” then baby number 2 (or whichever) shouldn’t be too far behind.
