TTC whilst BF. AF not returned yet. Anything I can do to increase chances?

[onelittlespeckledfrog]

Bit of a waffly title I am afraid... I have a 9 month old DD and DH and I are very keen to get started on the next one! AF hasnt returned and I realise it is possible to get pregnant without seeing AF return (in the month that it is due to return if you get me). What I am asking is - are there any signs that I am ovulating again (apart from the big fat obvious one!!!), or how can I increase chances of ovulating. Sorry if this is a stupid question - humour me here! Conceived so easily the first time around so didn't have to know anything about how cycles work etc. Am a bit ignorant of the matter!
Thanks.
DD feeds about 3 times a day and once at night by the way.

Hi,

Was in the same boat recently. Have read through a lot of posts and am a bit more clued up now. Am still BF my 10 month old 3x day but reduced it from on demand inc occasional nights a few weeks before. Partly to see if cycles came back so could TTC.

I had my first period mid February in 18-19 months and had a lot of changes in my cervical mucous in the weeks before so wondered if ovulating and BD'd a lot but with no luck.

Anyway rambling a bit now but basically although periods might return while BF you might not ovulate unfortunately. Although some(including my Mum) can concieve before getting AF with that first ovulation. Check cervical mucous- egg white usually round ovulation times. Some people use cervix position/temperatures and ovulation predictor tests but I think some of these can be difficult to interperet if still BF/ and or no/irregular cycles.

Lots of MNrs have become pregnant while breastfeeding but I suspect ovulation might vary individually.

Oh and you sure you are not PG already if no AF????!!!!

Will be interested in other replies to your post for my information too

I found this helpful but there are lots of MNetters on this ?board who will probably know more!
link

Hi Davidsmom
Thanks for repling - both your post and the link were really helpful. No - not pregnant now unfortunately! That would have been nice and easy! Maybe I need to just wait a bit longer as DD still having at least 1 night feed (are you still feeding at night?) We have cut down feeds an awful lot - sounds similar to you there as was previously demand feeding between 8 - 11 times a day.
ooh - I am soooo impatient though!
I don't know how much we should be trying at the mo or whether there's no point anyway. My poor husband is feeling a little abused!
I hope it works out for you too.