Could breastfeeding be my problem?

[stillstanding]

DS is 19 months and I am still breastfeeding but only first thing in morning and last thing at night.

AF arrived when he was about 8 months and since then I have had regular cycle. Have been using ovulation sticks for a few months and I always get a positive sign (although not necessarily at the same time in my cycle).

Have now being TTC for 5 months and nothing has happened ... I fear I have unrealistic expectations given that DS was conceived at the first go but what I am really worrying about now is that perhaps I need to give up breastfeeding (which I don't necessarily want to do) to give myself a proper shot at trying to conceive DC1.

Spoke to my GP about it and she said that fing only really works as contraceptive when you are bfing every three hours and if I am getting my period it shouldn't be a problem.

What do you think?? If I am serious about TTC should I give it up? Please help.

[sammysam]

I'm wandering the same thing-dd is 27 months and I feed 2-3 times a day-no chance of getting her to give up without a lot of heartache and tantrums but after 7 months of trying I'm really worrying that this is the problem
I'm interested to hear what people think....

[stillstanding]

Hopefully someone who knows something will come along and help us soon, Sammysam!

[mynameisluka]

Your gp is correct!
If you are fully breastfeeding with no other supplementation of fluid or foods, with a gap of no longer than four hours then it will be difficult to become pregnant.
As you aren't doing either and have your periods back - I shall cross my fingers for you!!

[JackOLANTERNstini]

Also even when bfing exclusively/constantly in first 6 months, contraception is only around 80%
At the rate you are feeding it should not really affect. I was doing similar feeding and it took me about 7 months.
Good luck!

[stillstanding]

Thanks, mynameisluka - but do you think it could be a factor though?

[DeJaVousdoo]

BF wont be reducing your chances of conceiving, as mynameisluka say the feeding is to infrequent for that.

5 months (or indeed 7) TTC really isn't very long, although it feels like forever. I'm sure you'll hit the jackpot soon enough

I'm still BF and am 8 weeks pregnant with DC2 so it's definitely possible!

[stillstanding]

Congratulations, DeJaVous and JackOlantern! That is great news - I shall remain hopeful (and obviously jealous of your success!)!

[mynameisluka]

Yes I also forgot to say that the third factor is that it is up to the age of six months only to be relied on for contraception. I proved this theory when my dd reached six months on the dot and I immediately became pregnant. I also became pregnant with my ds while breastfeeding my dd aged 2. Still crossing fingers for you.

[rainbowdays]

stillstanding - since you are ovulating - no breastfeeding is not an issue here. Just because you were lucky enough to conceive your ds on first go, unfortunately does not mean it would happen again. But also I want to reassure you that it is possible to get pg while breastfeeding, it happened to me and I know of many others too. The only advice is to keep trying. I am currently breastfeeding and ttc again, so I can understand your thoughts. But rest assured that giving up breastfeeding will not increase your likelyhood of concieving.

[RhinestoneCowghoul]

stillstanding - I was still feeding DS and got pg when he was 20 months old. Like you my periods had come back and were regular, and although I wasn;t using ov sticks I could see signs of ovulation so was pretty sure I was fertile.

It took me around 6 months to get pg first time, around 3 months this time - so no hard and fast rules either way.

Hope it happens for you soon

[Glimmer]

www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html#transition

has some info. They say generally you can fall pregnant if you are breastfeeding, especially if your DC is > 6month. However, they also say, a few mother can't :-)

Just got my first postpartum AF (DS is 11 months) and am wondering when we will start TTC DC2 :-) I guess as soon as I think I would be able to cope with a mc.

Good luck :-)

[stillstanding]

That is a very useful link - thanks, Glimmer