Trying to decide whether to stop bfeeding

[odbod]

been exclusively bfeeding 6mo old ds and recently dropped evening feed in favour of bottle so dh can do bath and bed routine as wanted to spend more time with ds after work before his bedtime at 7pm (he sleeps through till 6am).

We are desperate to have another baby and have been trying since ds was born - obviously still bfeeding will inhibit ovulation, had no periods since ds born and in fact had no periods for year before fell pregnant was just really lucky as consulant said my homones levels were 'normal' and could find no reason for lack of cycle.

Thought stopping bf would increase chances of concieving but feel pulled in two directions, want to do best by ds but also but the whole family. Trying to introduce bottles this week but get really upset, don't have a clue what I'm doing or how much he should be having (he's on 3 solid meals a day) boobs hurt as constant reminder, keep hoping will magically fall pregnant and not have to make the decision

Sorry for going on, think advice will be along the lines of don't stop unless your happy with it but have always wanted to have children very close together in age, feel so proud of bfeeding exclusively and finding it hard to think of doing it any other way

[shazronnie]

Your DS is here in the present; I would do what is best for him.

Another baby will probably come along, but try to enjoy this one before you chase the future.

[odbod]

ds hasn't fed in the night since he was 6 weeks old (angel baby!) but because I haven't had any periods for over 2 years am just worried that they'll never return!

thanks for your messages

[hunkermunker]

I agree with Shazronnie.

You don't seem happy about stopping, you don't have to stop, there's no guarantee you'll get pregnant any quicker if you do stop (especially given your history).

Plus they'll still be close together if you have them with a gap of 18m or 20m or 24m - and it is possible to get pg again when bfeeding. I got pg again when DS1 was 12mo and still breastfed regularly.

Please stop trying to hurry your life away by fretting about the next one.

Stopping bfeeding at night will help your chances of getting pregnant. I would say if you are still dead keen to conceive again, drop feeds gradually, don't go cold turkey.