Possible to TTC whilst still bf an 18 month old milk monster???

[rockinghertosleep]

Just curious! There was no known TTC at all when we were happily surprised with DD, however we're now actively thinking about TTC a baby sister/brother for her and I'm a teeny bit concerned that the breastfeeding is delaying our pregnancy efforts. DD goes to nursery 4 days a week and I stopped expressing and sending milk back in Feb when she was 13.5 months, but when she's home with me we go by a "don't offer, don't refuse" policy which generally means she feeds about 3-5 times during waking hours. Perhaps more significantly she feeds at 7:30-8ish before bed, then is now starting the night in her cot until about 10-12ish when she comes in our bed for another feed and to happily co-sleep and feed the night away (thinking 2-3 more times during the night until about 5:30 am, when she attaches herself permanently until she finally wakes at 7ish...) So, should I be trying to cut back on the feeding to TTC? Not that I really want to take it away from her - we've fought like hell to make it this far! But I also want to be able to conceive by the end of the year!

So, anyone have any positive experience with this? Suggestions? TIA!

[SOLOisMeredithGrey]

Do you have your periods? if so, then I don't think there is any reason why you shouldn't conceive whilst bfing. I know several friends that did ~ accidentally!

Good luck!

[StealthPolarBear]

I had no periods until last October (had technically been ttc since August but wasn't optimistic), had one in October, one in November and was pg by Jan!
Still bf my 2y3m milk monster - in fact most of last night . DC2 is due in September

[rockinghertosleep]

Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, periods came back in September (she was 8 months), but we weren't really actively TTC then. Since June though we're not doing anything to discourage pregnancy and had actually massively ramped up efforts, so I was a bit disappointed when AF came last week. Thought for sure I was! Thus the questioning why/what might be preventing it...

Glad to hear mrsjammi and StealthPolarBear have been successful in this position! DD will be pleased that she's not getting forced off her favorite drink just yet! Hoping you gals get some rest before the new ones arrive - the zombie-like tiredness is the one thing I'm really not looking forward to...(even though I'm now apparently hoping for it!)

[SOLOisMeredithGrey]

Oooh! Stealth, that's lovely! really exciting! don't know why as I don't think we have crossed paths before, but it put a smile on my face. Like this

[StealthPolarBear]

Thanks SOLO, that's lovely of you - it's still doing that to me too
I am finding BF hard while pg, but OTOH when I'm exhausted and DS is awake it's something to keep him out of mischief while I doze
(as well as Beebies!)
rhts - I bought some ovulation sticks from ebay (less than £3 I think, inc P&P) and they worked before I'd had a chance to actually use them! I have already passed them on to someone but can't recommend their effects highly enough (and if you have to use them presumably that is useful too). Both times I have ttced it has had to be a (tiring and unromantic) military operation in the successful month (whereas before we were just upping the sex a bit) - maybe I just don't have a very long fertile period. Sorry if TMI!

[rockinghertosleep]

Stealth - I have actually thought about those sticks - think DH will think I'm a bit of a nutter - he's just warmed up to the idea of TTC last month. I freaked him out a bit already by signing up for a Fertility Friend trial account - didn't get so far as to start temps or anything like that, I just wanted to actually take note of my cycle length/see when they'd predict ovulation, etc. I just assumed it would be easy to get pregnant again, but it doesn't look like it's going to be. I may be on my own military operation over the next few months...

Are you letting DS self-wean or are you planning on cutting him back when your new LO arrives? Sorry if too nosy, I'm thinking ahead already...

[StealthPolarBear]

I'm going to see what happens when the baby arrives. Hope to let him self wean but I'll see what works at the time. Usually he's not as bad as last night, think he's slightly under the weather at the moment - recently he has been dropping the odd morning feed, not desperate for his evening feed (although he always has it unless his routine is disturbed) and sometimes even sleeping through