BF as contraceptive

[HuggleBuggleBear]

I've started a thread in conception but I think I might get more replies here.

I'm breastfeeding my 12 month old 2-3 times a day and rarely at night. My periods haven't returned.
I've had unprotected sex.

Could I be pregnant?

Thanks in advance?

[AndMiffyWentToSleep]

Yes you could!

[VintageRainBoots]

Both my lactation consultant and midwife said that exclusive breastfeeding works as a contraceptive ONLY for the first sex months after the baby's birth. After that, it's unreliable.

[rosiesmartypants]

Yes you could be - you are less likely to fall pregnant while still breastfeeding, but it can happen.

Have a wee read at this link in BabyCentre:

www.babycenter.com/404_can-i-get-pregnant-while-breastfeeding_7093.bc

xxx

[HuggleBuggleBear]

Yeah i thought that would be the answer.

I thought the only way I could be pregnant was if I've ovulated but period not yet arrived so I would have to be in that two week window which I thought would be unlikely.

Has anyone else got pregnant before their period had returned?

[VintageRainBoots]

Of course it's possible to get pregnant before getting your first post-natal period. Specifically, you could ovulate for the first time since your first baby was born and get pregnant then; since that ovulation resulted in the successful fertilisation, you would never have a period.

[VintageRainBoots]

The more important question is: Do you want to have a second baby now or not? If not, you need to get on some form of birth control as soon as possible. If you do want to have another child soon, continue what you're doing; it's just a matter of time before you're pregnant again.

[HuggleBuggleBear]

I keep telling myself no chance but at least hearing it's a possibility prepares me for it

What will be will be

Thanks for link Rosie will have a read. Yeah vintage that's what I had heard that after 6 months is unreliable form of contraception.

[HuggleBuggleBear]

Yeah we were thinking about trying sometime next year. I've been so careful using protection every time since I had my son. I think just knowing it wouldn't be end of the world caused us to be slack with protection.

[rednellie]

My mum conceived me whilst still bf my brother and before her periods returned. So anecdotally, yes it does happen.

I conceived whilst bf DD - twin boys! !- but my periods had started again.

[HuggleBuggleBear]

Well I guess I will find out in a couple of weeks.

[AndMiffyWentToSleep]

Not just exclusive breastfeeding - you also need to be breastfeeding intensively i.e. less than a 6hr gap between feeds.

And even then it is not 100% reliable, needless to say.