Please don't make me feel sillier than I already do!

[FurtivelyPosting]

I'm a little preoccupied with a possible situation at the moment and don't really have any family or close friends that I want to seek advice from. So, I'd be grateful if you could hear me out and perhaps share any advice with me.

Basically, I have a baby under the age of 6 months whom I am exclusively breast feeding. My period returned last month. My cycle is always 26 days long and has instantly reverted to that following previous pregnancy.

My period was due again this week but hasn't arrived, nor have the usual spotting and cramping that normally precede it. I've also noticed this week that I've been feeling much more tired than usual, have had lots of heartburn and just this evening I've started to feel a little queasy.

My partner and I have only had sex a handful of times and each time has been with contraception. I do feel that it would be surprising if I am pregnant but I'm still a little concerned. I wouldn't mind another baby at all (in fact, I would love to have another one) but my big worries are;

1. having two babies so close together - if I am pregnant, there would be little more than a year between them. Would I be able to cope? How hard is it having two babies so close together?
2. my partner's reaction. He will NOT be pleased. His immediate reaction to absolutely everything is always negative. Even though our last baby was planned and we had decided to start ttc, he didn't exactly greet my postive pregnancy test with glee. I can't even talk to him about my worries now.

Has anyone else ever found themselves in a similar situation? Got any advice or tips that you think would be helpful? Any advice would be gratefully received!

ok firstly, if your period is due then you migth get a positive result now. so go and grab a test before you worry about something that might not be happening.
I conceived my 2nd baby when my son was 6 months old, and i'm due this week. you'll cope fine, of course it'll be tiring to start with but you;ll cope.

i thought my dh would be a bit shocked and negative when i told him my news, but he really surprised me.

also your period may not necessarily come at the normal time after breastfeeding, even if you were totally regular before.

If you are breastfeeding you may find your periods are not regular for a hiwl

Just wanted to reassure you that, if you are pregnant, you won't be alone in having small gaps between your DC. My 3 are 13 months and 15 months apart. It is hard work but has its rewards too, so don't worry.

I'm due in 3wks, and DS is just 15mths. I planned such a short gap- i also conceived the week i stopped breasfeeding DS...i haven't had a period since 2005!

Get a test, and find out if you are or not first. Hope you get the result you want

Keep us posted!

thanks for all your advice, ladies. you're absolutely right, of course; i need to take a test and see what's what. i'm going down to the chemist as soon as baby and i are out of our pyjamas and into some clothes!

i kept waking up in the night with really, really sore boobs - that doesn't mean anything in itself, obviously. it's just unusual since breast feeding has been established for a while now. but! enough faffing! i'm off to get ready and get down to the shops. gulp!

Good luck . Just to say that my periods used to be vv regular but now I'm bfing they are more erratic. Soo it might well be a false alarm.

Mine are 13 months apart and yes for a time its very very hard work, but it is so rewarding when they start to realise that they have a new playmate and start being cute to each other. It is quite hard being pg with a toddler but it just sets you up nicely for what's in store!!! Seriously I wouldn't have it any other way now. My girls have a friend for life in each other and I'm proud to have been able to give them that gift. Also my dh wasn't exactly jumping around with joy but he soon came around and dotes on his little angels.

Thanks again, everyone - it's been great reading your positive posts and advice.

Well, I've done a test and it's come out as negative. There's a very faint line in the first window but it's running in the opposite direction to the line in the second window and according to the accompanying leaflet, this is a negative result.

Must be all in my mind! Even as I was standing in the chemist waiting to pay for the test, I had another wave of nausea, the like of which I last had in my previous pregnancy.

It feels very strange - part of me is relieved because I don't have to break the news to DH but a bigger part of me is disappointed. It's made me realise that I do really want another baby (something I've been feeling for a while) and at my age, perhaps it would be better to have one sooner rather than later. Oh well.

Glad you got an answer - and that it's clarified things for you. Sounds like you need to have a chat with your partner