BF and weaning, TTC

[hecallsmebunny]

I'm posting on behalf of a friend who doesn't use MN/other online media herself and relies on me for BF advice as I BF two children to around 2yo and became quite knowledgeable about it. She's successfully BF her first baby but they had trouble conceiving and were successful with IVF. They want to TTC again naturally from when baby is 6m (currently 4m) and are aware that while you can fall pregnant while BF it's less likely and the odds are already against them! Pref is not to give formula (no offence to those who FF we just share the view that it's not the best for our babies). Baby takes expressed milk from a bottle readily so I'm inclined to suggest she start stocking up, though I know milk adapts to baby's needs with age so wonder if this is best? Has anyone stopped BF around 6m yet managed not to FF then introduced cow's milk at 1? Any advice welcome. Thanks for reading!

God she’d have to be tied to a pump to express enough for 6 months!

As I understand it, and I could be wrong, it’s the night feeds that affect fertility. Would it be an option for her to bf in the day and give bottles at night? She would still have to express a fair amount but she could try pumping in the day while she is feeding from the other side. Has she got a decent electric pump?

According to this on Kellymom she is more likely to return to full fertility if baby is away from Mum at night so it might be worth her considering moving baby into its own room once they reach 6 months.

As she’s not on MN though, I’d print off the Kellymom info for her, get her to ring one of the Bfing Helplines to discuss fertility with them, and see if you can persuade her to go to her nearest Bfing Support Group

Wow thanks popmusic, I'd forgotten about kellymom. Will definitely refer her to this info. Cheers :)