Do I need to stop breastfeeding to increase chances of conceiving

[MiniHouse]

Hi everyone,

Trying for a 2nd. First one still feeding at 3. He actually feeds quite a lot, total between 1h30 and 3hrs over 24h period (including 2 night feeds) as a source of comfort. My periods only returned 3 months ago and are quite irregular (but always have been).
Does anyone know, have any relevant experience to what extent this feeding affects my fertility. I'm trying to gradually wean him off (with limited success), really want a 2nd child and as I'm 37 with pcos wondering if I really need him to stop feeding to boost fertility or of its unlikely to be having much affect. Studies all seem to cover effects of breastfeeding under 6 months.

Thanks everyone!!

Yes I see your point but I definitely don't give in to his every want. He has limited TV time, eats healthily etc.. and is told no when he asks for too many new toys, I'm stricter than most so this isn't something I'm worried about. Breastfeeding is something quite different as in many societies children do feed until 5 years old and in pre-industrialised societies so it's natural. That said I do think it's a balance between everyone's needs like my mil didn't breastfeed for personal reasons and I totally respect that.

Thanks, this is where it's unclear isn't it, it looks like it affects people very differently. I have two friends who got pregnant breastfeeding but lots of people say their cycles were longer whilst night feeding and they only got pregnant after.

That's interesting for the 4am feed to be last. The cereal idea sounds nice, it gives them milk too.

Like a PP, I conceived DS2 the month I fully gave up BFing DS1 (he was 2y9m). Some of us just can’t conceive whilst BFing 😬

Thanks, good idea. Is this something you ask for your GP to do or pay privately? In any case I'm trying night weaning as I feel I'm getting frustrated about being woken up now, if that makes sense.

That makes sense. Did you have periods before if you don't mind me asking.

At your age I would not be wasting any time. I would stop breastfeeding cold turkey. He might have a couple of rough days, but then it will all be over and forgotten.

I conceived while breastfeeding my 2 (and a bit) year old, he was feeding several times a day and loved the comfort, certainly wasn't ready to give it up! We did slowly wean him off breastfeeding when I was 16+ weeks pregnant as I needed to take aspirin, however I did this very gradually with the help of reading books and deploying a 'not now, you can have a boobie later' strategy in order to spread feeds out. Both of us were just about mutually happy to stop in the end, but it took some preparation to get both of our heads around it.

If your periods are irregular, it could be worth exploring why... mine are also irregular (and I was ovulating irregularly) due to polycystic ovary syndrome. A prescription of Metformin helped with that and I conceived both my children while taking it.

I'd say that breastfeeding is more likely to hinder your chances of conceiving before weaning onto solid food commences. If you're having periods, it's unlikely that breastfeeding is affecting conception (as periods usually mean your body is ovulating, with exceptions such as PCOS etc.).

Just to clarify, my DS was 2 and a bit when I conceived and about 2.5 when we stopped breastfeeding... (I wish we could edit posts!)

Sigh. And apologies. Just realised you said you have PCOS. (I'm sleep deprived and recovering from covid...).

I would focus on the PCOS if I was you - most doctors are happy to prescribe Metformin if they know you're trying to conceive.

I got my period back on my 1st at 17months and fell pregnant after my 3rd cycle . I tandem fed then until she stopped herself . I found once the baby was feeding she lost interest .
Currently pregnant with baby number 3 I got my period back at 20 months this time and fell pregnant that 1st cycle . I used easy@home to see when I was ovulating which was on day 51 really didn’t think I would conceive that quick .
I have tried weaning while being pregnant this time as my toddler is a nightmare at night looking for her boobie and it is painful this time around I don’t think there is any milk really it’s just a soother for her !! Unfortunately she is very strong willed and I do like everyone else to have some sleep so give in .
Both times I took vitamin B6 and folic acid too much I had read helps .

I stopped breastfeeding when my son was around 8 months - maybe cut back on breast milk and give your child cow's milk?

Thanks though I did conceive in 5 months the first time round with similarly irregular periods but this is definitely something to consider if it doesn't work in a few months. I assume they advise stopping breastfeeding in order to take it.

Trickier with a toddler. Cow's milk in a plastic cup is not as comforting as warm breastmilk from a soft, warm boob! 😄

Thanks everyone, just to say I've really taken on board the point about night weaning first. We've successfully cut out feeds between 9pm and 5am for 5 nights now, and he accepts it more readily at night (too dosey u guess) and he's comforted by the fact there will be a feed in the morning. Plus a gradual change is giving him time to understand what we're aiming for without a sudden shock.

He's very attached and the change in hormones is causing me stress, nausea, insomnia, tears etc and I still have to do my job and manage my pcos (stress isn't recommended) so I think a sort of gradual approach is better.

Having said that I'll keep it like this for a couple of weeks and then cut back again and then stop as clearly don't want to end up going backwards. Then if it still doesn't work I'll consider Metformin or other approaches.

Well done both of you. That sounds like big but gentle progress. Here’s hoping your ovaries take the hint and fire up soon and you can pace things to suit you both.

plus your womb grows a nice lining..

@MiniHouse

I fell pregnant with DC2, DC3 & DC4 whilst breastfeeding. In the case of DC4, I was tandem breastfeeding both DC2 & DC3 on demand at 38yo!

As your periods have returned, isn't it is likely you are ovulating already? Could you check with ovulation strips?

Unless your doctor says otherwise. I can't see how weaning your child would help.

Good luck

ps. My oldest nurseling was 6yo, so whilst I understand why you nurse your 3yo. I also think a 3yo can learn good nursing manners, as to when and how long he feeds.

So after cutting back on breastfeeding my cycle is now longer, beyond the usual 37 days to 42. I got a negative pregnancy test and I think my ovulation was delayed again.

Did anyone else have the experience that cycles initially lengthen when you first cut back breastfeeding? Maybe it is the stress/ reduced sleep.