Success stories of conceiving after weaning?

[secondtimelucky87]

Last night I fed my 2.5 year old for the last time. I know to many this will seem a ridiculously long time but I loved breastfeeding and feel pretty devastated it's ended. I've just got to the point where I desperately want a second child and want to throw everything I can at trying to conceive. For context, I am 36, it took 3 years to conceive the first time around and I only got my periods back at 2 years PP. Although I've been having regular periods and positive OPKs, my BBT didn't seem to be confirming ovulation. And I just had a feeling I was one of those women who'd have to stop completely. 😢

To help me feel less sad, I'd really appreciate any stories from people who successfully conceived after fully weaning? I'd ordered the Clearblue Fertility Monitor to try this month but it's arriving too late for me to use this cycle. I'm hoping ending breastfeeding will help though...

Thank you x

@secondtimelucky87 ah bless you - completely get how you're feeling! It's really tough and emotional at first.

So, I was definitely someone whose fertility was affected by bf. In my case, my periods didn't even return, although I was having monthly cramps and things like it felt it was on the way but no bleeds etc. I was 36 too and really keen to start TTC again. And like you, reluctantly I realised I would probably have to fully wean in order to have a chance (my son had been at nursery since 9 months old and by this point - 22 months old - was down to practically no feeds in the day but still feeding overnight). I got my period the same month I stopped feeding completely. I then fell pregnant on cycle 3, just after I turned 37. Not a completely happy ending as unfortunately I ended up miscarrying close to 12wks in April but in terms of fertility, it shows the weaning really was worth it. I've just had a new BFP (though not sure it will stick as getting faint tests), but again, at least I'm getting pregnant.

If it's also a comfort to you, although it was initially extremely emotional, I am still super close with my son and he is still really cuddly and snuggly. In a way, the cuddles feel even nicer now, as there is no other agenda other than affection! At first, my husband took over bedtimes with him for a while but he very quickly got used to no booby. He does still sometimes fall asleep with a hand on my boob (he's now 2.5), and just occasionally he cheekily looks at me and pretends to feed for a second or two, but he never tries to properly breastfeed any more.

Love and best wishes to you - you've got this! And I hope your next little one comes along soon too 🤞🏻💕

For clarity, was actively wanting to TTC from January 2022 but periods didn't return. Son was only feeding when at home (FT nursery 5 days a week 8-5). Ended up fully weaning in November 2022 and got my period at the end of the month. Fell pregnant in Feb 2023. Miscarried in April. Just fallen pregnant again this month... 🤞🏻🤞🏻🌈

Awwww glad it was such a positive experience. I loved nursing LO but it 15months I had enough. On demand 24/7 my sleep was horrid he was waking up minimum 3 times a night to nurse to sleep!
I weaned at 20months and was waiting for this sadness and depression never came for me. I was so happy. And he sleeps through the night and so do I. Not tonight it seems. 😂 heat plus hubby.

I also was driven to wean as I want to TTC and was told just becuase you ovulate eoeant mean you can get pregnant SOME BF women end up with higher then normal Prolactin which can prevent risenin Progesterone so no implantation or lots of chemicals.

Wishing you all the luck I am 1st month TTC properly. But suspect it may take some time I am 36 as well.

@SnookyPook 😂 my LO who is 22months old goes Bananas when he sees my boons. Been 2 months since I lost nursed and he still puts his hand and says "milk" lookimg for me to say yes sure. 😂 nope. He also looks like a crazed animal when he sees them and soemthing overtakes him. 😂 it is hilarious.

I conceived 3 months after fully weaning.

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

I'm feeling much better after a couple of tearful days and feeling cautiously excited for the future.

We're going to attempt SMEP this month if not too knackered! Fingers crossed. ..