Pregnancy while breastfeeding

[jodee_p]

I have a 8 month old daughter who is exclusivly breastfed right now, and has been for the last 2 months, before that she was mainly breast, with supplemental bottle/formula feedings while I was at work.  Also, since the birth of my daughter, I have not had a period.  Lately, I have been experiencing some symptoms of pregnancy; heightened sense of smell, nausea, tiredness, irritability, and some minor cramping.  This has been going on for about 3-4 weeks.  At first I thought my period was coming, but now that it's been some time, I'm not too sure about that.  I have taken a couple home pregnancy tests, but they have both been negative. How reliabel is a home test?  I know it says "as soon as 3/4 days before period", but  I don't even know when to test, b/c i've not had a period.  Just wondering if anyone else has had an experience close to this.  Could I be pregnant?

[babylove2006]

Hi Sorry to impose but I am having a problem. Can you help??????

Heres my story:
Ok! It's me again! Now it is Mar. 22nd. My Af cycle is 28 to 30 days. So I should be getting my af like NOW. Because today is day 30. I am cramping like I am already on it. But I have been doing that for a couple of weeks now. I am very tender in my nipples and they are itching really bad. At night and early in the morning I have some bumps around the nipples. Some look like whiteheads. I know that is signs of AF and PG. Do you guys think I might be Pregnant? Please Help!!!! Do ya'll think I should test or wait a couple of days?

[jodee_p]

If it were me, I would be testing right away--but that's b/c I'm impatient!!  Logically, I would say wait a couple days: with my last pregnancy, I tested 2 days after missed period and the result was negative, i then tested 5 days late, and the result was such a faint positive, that I didn't even realize it was a postive, then i tested 2 days later, and got the same faint line--so i went in to the clinic, and sure enough i was pregnant!  so if you can try to wait a couple of days--i know it's so hard!!

[babylove2006]

Thank You so much!!!!

[IWantToBeAMom]

Hi Jodee,
You definitely can get pg while breastfeeding.  In your case, with having no period, you could have ovulated, gotten pg, and then you never would get your period.  However, with having negative hpt's, I'd say you're not pg.  The hpt's are very reliable.

I would suggest to see your doctor, get a blood test to make sure you're not pg, and then use some form of birth control.  You can take Ortho TriCyclen Lo while breastfeeding and/or use condoms.  Otherwise, just keep taking a hpt about every 2 weeks and take your chances.  :-)

Good luck!

[baby_gift_from_God]

I have breastfeed my 18th months and just weaned him off completely only recently.  And my menses returned when he was 6 months old.  My recent visit to my Gyne, he mentioned that in order to plan for 2nd baby, i got to stop breastfeeding because my body producing different hormones and also breastfeeding has suppressing my ovulation.  But i understand there is alway a possible chance for mother to get pregnant while they are still breastfeeding their baby and have heard a few cases from my friends too.

[mandymoo1983]

hi first off were you using any birth control aswell as breast feeding.Breast feeding is not a reliable for of birth control the reason i say this is i can totally relate to you right now my first daughter was born 30th june 2005 i went on birth control at my 6 week appointment the mini pill as i was full time breast feeding as well befor that i had no sex well when i took my daughter in for her 4 month needle which was a couplea weeks past i was complaining of constant cramping that i had for 3 weeks and because i had recently given birth doc did ultrasound thinking maybe a clot or something anyway to cut a very long story short i was nearly 6 weeks pregnant imagine my shock a 4 month old and 6 weeks pregnant i suppose i am trying to say it is well and truley possible i never had a period either i was breast feeding and on the pill never again dont get ne wrong i love my babies now my daughter is nearly 9 months old and i am 28 weeks pregnant due with another girl 1 week befor my daughters first birthday so good luck to you you should go to the doctors asap sometimes hpts can be wrong let us no how you go.

[MandaJo111]

Good luck to you girl!!

My sister has a son and daughter a year and 11 days apart.  It has been a handful for her.  They will be 5 and 6 next month -- and now she is due with her 3rd baby August 5th.  

I am sure you can handle it though.  

Take care,

Amanda

[jodee_p]

thank you guys soo much for your advice!! i did call my dr. and schedule an appointment.  i havent been taking any birth control-i was taking the micronor at first, but have been off it for the last couple months.  i think in my first post i sounded as if i didnt' want to be pregnant, but i really do want to be, i just didn't think it was possible if i didn't have a period, b/c i assumed i wasn't ovulating, but i will cross my fingers!

[mandymoo1983]

thanks for your words of support it will certainly be very challenging as one baby fills my day just nicely aswell as the cooking cleaning ect il grow with it dd is a pritty happy little baby hope the next one is this good.
good luck to you to with you new little one.

[2boys]

I kind of have the same situation going on. I had my last cycle start on February 12th. I know when I ovulated and of course my husband and I are active. It is now day 41 since the start of my last period and I tested negative. A little dishearting but I no that some test can't pick up lower levels of HCG. I have 2 children at home and we definetly would like to have another baby. I made a Dr's appt for Monday. But I would like to know what this could be. I have cramping like my cycle will start and nothing. I am still a breastfeeding mother to my 1 year old. My cycles started back at 6 months and have been very regular since. (28 days). Prior to this baby I used to be irregular but never like this. Any ideas anyone.

[B'Aisling]

i have had one period since birth of my little girl. breastfeeding. six weeks plus since period. mild cramping. two - hpt. i don't know would love more kids b ut wouldn't particularly choose to be pregnant with a four month old

[gwendolyn03]

Hi Everyone,
My husband had a vasectomy in Nov. 05.  I'm still breastfeeding my 15 month old baby, and finally had my first Af around the end of January or beginning of February. I didn't mark it down. i scheduled myself for a Pap at beginning of March then on day of appt. started getting a little pink discharge, so i cancelled my appt. thinking i was starting my Af.  nothing else has happened since.  then the other night i went to brush my teeth and almost vomited.  i still get a little cramping but nothing else.  it has been a complete 5 weeks since i know i had an Af.  i go in for a pap in a week, but i am wondering if i might be pregnant!

[lorriep]

Has your husband gone to the see his doctor for follow-up visits?  If the vasectomy didn't work, you might be pregnant.
You might think about doing a HPT or going to your doctor
to get a pregnancy blood test done.  Blood tests are more
accurate than urine test unless the test is done too early.

[mamado]

Wow, it makes me feel a bit better seeing that others have similar symptoms as I do. I am nursing my 13 month old and not on any b/c. I had my first period in March and now it is late. I took a hpt and it was negative. I have some symptoms that mimic pregnancy, its really confusing. I dont have any of the symptoms of feeling like im about to start either. Im glad to see that Im not crazy that this happens to other women. Thanks for shareing ladies.

[mommato3]

I am nursing 10 month old twins...although only three times a day each. I got my period last month for the first time since they were born. I am 8 days late...I took a hpt when I was one day late. It was the Great Value brand. It said neg. I kinda want to test again, but want to know if this is common. To have a period and then be late. I can't remember with my first child if this was normal for me...Just wondering.

[mumma]

I'm soooo glad that you wrote in, and very thankful to my husband who suggested that I research this topic.  I am breastfeeding our 8mth old baby girl (who is a great blessing!)
I got my first period after 5mths.  My husband and I would like another baby so we were trying to get pregnant.  I thought I was, I took tests and they came out neg.  One week later I had a very very very faint pos. but that was only after it sat for hours.  This has been going on for 2 mths. I have some tests that show neg. and others will show pos. after an hour or so.  I have sore nipples, hot flashes,cramping, &mild headaches.  I thought I was going nuts!  The Dr. told me that a urine test is accurate and that breastfeeding would not affect the results.  Is this true????  

[cindyloo1975]

I am also breast feeding a 9 month old about 3 times a day with formula supplement. Period has not returned yet and we want to get pregnant. I take a hpt every month. For over a week now I have been feeling bloated, have waves of nausea and am more emotional. All the hpt's keep saying negative. I keep wondering if he hormones from breastfeeding can affect the hpt. Does anyone know?

[mumma]

I am still having all the same symptoms of pregnancy that I did with our daughter,Abigail.
I went to the Dr. today and had a blood test done.  I'll let you know what the result is in a day or so.  

I can understand your frustration, I'm going through the same thing.  Through my research I have found that some say breastfeeding can't affect an hpt, while others say that it can.   What's a girl to think? :-)         I'll keep you in my prayers.

[mumma]

I received my results today... negative.  does anyone know why I would have so many pregnancy signs and even faint pos. urine tests and not be pregnant?

[Nicolemichelle03]

I hear you. Well i have a 2 month old. And i just stopped breastfeeding him because it hurt too much. Now im scared because i havent started my period. I know they say that when you breastfeed you may not have a period, but how long do i have to wait?? Im soo scared im pregnant. I also have a 2 year old. I cant be pregnant right now. What advise can anyone give me??

[Lucky8]

I am breastfeeding 3 times per day at 6 months and have been supplementing since 4 months.  DD STTN since birth!  I had one period at two months pp then went on BC for months 3 and 4.  Went off of minipill b/c I broke out with bad acne.  I have not had a period since.  Took three pregnancy tests BFN.

DH and I have not been good about using BC - mostly withdrawal.  I am hopeful to have another baby but not so soon...  

[Michellenkal]

Among everyone who is writing in here, I to, am a little nervous about being pregnant. I have a 2 and half month old baby boy. I am on no birth control as I am afraid it will diminish my milk supply. My doctor prescribed me mini pills but it still makes me a little scared. I was 22 when I decided I wanted to get pregnant. I've always known that I wanted to have more than 1 baby but to have 2 under the age of one is just nuts!! I have had some sharp pains like I did with my first baby (they were a lot stronger with him) as well as some nausea. I am exclusively breastfeeding and thought that it was harder to get pregnant. I also had a c-section and was wondering if the light sharp pains was because of that, but at my 4 week appointment post, my doctor said everything was back to normal. According to her, I have a small uterus so I am kind of going nuts. I know people are going to say to get a HPT and take one but I am just wondering if anyone is or has been in the same boat as me. I am not sure if having a c-section could be part of the reason as far as pain goes, but as far as my symptoms  go they are very light... this past pregnancy was great, no sickness just felt nauseaous sometimes. Can someone please help out to let me know if they have felt the same things. I am going to take a pregnancy test but wanting to hear from other people first.

[tstubb]

I have a five month old baby boy and  i am breastfeeding exclusivly. My husband had a vasectomy last decermber but he had difficulty with is screening test. he had really potant sperm. he finally got a 90% okay in april, when our son was born. i am cramping and have sore nipples. my milk is sometimes a blue color, i havent seen that since i had him. i have all the classic signs of pregnancy but i dont know if its even possible for me to be. can anyone give me advise.

[grace2001]

I am so excited to have found other women with the same problem. I too am breastfeeding my 4 month old with no birth control and feel like I am pregnant. I have cramps and I am experiencing nausea a good part of the day. I also crave sweets in the evening. And this is exactly how I was when I got pregnant with my 4 month old little girl. But of course all of the 4 tests I have taken this past week were negative. I don't mind if I am pregnant but I would just like to know what is going on. Because if I am not pregnant does that mean that something else is going on and I should see a doctor? I guess I will wait one more week and take another test.

[lovinmyairandkat]

I thought I was the only person like this.  I had my baby 10 weeks ago and think I'm pregnant.  I had the same symptoms as my daughter (craving one particular thing which is Tomatoes in applesauce); cravings, nausea (which is earlier than my first because I only had morning sickness for one week and the is week 10), crampiness, tiredness (which is worse than usual).  I took a pregnancy test but it was negative.  Of course, I don't know when to test because I don't have a period.  I'm wondering if it could be my hormones, but I have a feeling I could be pregnant.  Though I'll be happy if I'm pregnant, I hope I'm not.  We used condoms and b/c, but I still feel pregnant.

[Michellenkal]

[Michellenkal]

Hey everyone, since I wrote in last time things have gotten a lot better. I don't feel sick anymore and hardly have any pregnancy symptoms! I believe it's just our crazy hormones. I was reading Jenny McCarthy's book: Baby laughs and she goes into explain that hormones don't go down to normal until about 1 year after the baby is born! I think we all have a lot on our plates and when we get a notion in our heads we dwell on that! We all need to chill out and enjoy our babies while they are still babies, and once they aren't babies anymore.... then we have more!! Everyone just relax :o)  Oh yeah, I've been reading Jenny McCarthy's books: Baby laughs, Life laughs, and the newest one I'm in the middle of: Louder than words... it's about her son having autisim. It's heartbreaking to read what mothers of autistic kids go through... my heart goes go out to all of them! If you guys have any free time I suggest picking these books up... they are great. Jenny is so down to earth and for sure tells you how things are... she certainly doesn't sugar coat anything!! Good luck ladies! :o)

[Michellenkal]

hi everyone it's me ... again! I was wondering if anyone had any tips for a decreased milk supply. My baby wasn't latching on right so I bought a medela breast pump and was pumping (any getting a lot) and just feeding him through a bottle. Lately, within the last couple of days my milk supply has suddenly dropped. I am pumping and hardly nothing is coming out. I gave him a little bit of formula tonight and he chugged 1 ounce and then looked like he had a disgusted look on his face and wouldn't eat anymore. I put him on the breast and he sucked. I don't know if there's anything out there you guys have tried and  worked.. let me know! thank you

[nessa123]

I have a question...

My son is 8 months old and MOSTLY breastfed. Since he was born I have supplemented with formula (about 1 bottle a day) For the past month or so I have been having a lot of pregnancy symptoms. I have been getting headaches, nausea, and an increased appetite. People say, though, that if you get PG while breastfeeding the main sign will be nipple soreness. My nipples feel fine! I HAVE had a decrease in my milk supply though! So I really dont know what to think. I havent gotten a period yet so I have no way of knowing if I am late or not. The thing is that my husband and I have NOT had unprotected sex...we've been pretty careful. We just dont always put the condom on right away...we do it like half way thru. So do you think there is any chance that I could be pg from this?? Please any input would be appreciated!

[22g]

I am a mother of 3 beautiful children who were born girl-March 22, 2004, girl-June 22, 2005, and boy-July 22, 2007.  YES...I am crazy to say we are trying to get pregnant again!.  Deciding to have my children close together has been very rewarding!!!  When I am attending to my son, my girls are entertaining each other and they always have someone to play with.  If I need to get something done, they are not asking me to play with them...they have each other--Thank God!!!
With each child, I have breastfeed for 12 months.  Therefore, my first 2 are 15 months apart and became pregnant while breastfeeding.  Currently I am breastfeeding, my son will be six months tomorrow and had my 1st period last month which lasted 2 days.  In my history, I had only missed a period when pregnant.  I have had the signs of being pregnant back in November 2007-test negative and now I'm feeling them again.  When I thought I was pregnant w/#2, 1st home test negative then the 2nd home test was faint with a plus sign-I was pregnant.  I'm going to wait testing again--I'll know soon--with my son- i just knew w/o testing a test.

I have been told by a friend that hormones could be the cause my mood swings and feeling so low at times.  Since my body is trying to go back to normal-whatever that is-could this be a reason that I am feeling that I'm pregnant again?  If anyone has any insight, please share.

[22g]

I have noticed a reduced milk supply when I needed to change my child's diet.  Recently while speaking w/another mommy, she suggested that I should pump while breastfeeding.  While the child is on 1 breast, pump the other.  I haven't tried but it was highly recommended.

[lovingbeingamum]

Hi all. I am breastfeeding my 15 month old son just twice a day now.  We have talked about having another one, and are not using b/c.  Well, there have been at least 3 separate occasions during the last year that I have thought I was pregnant.  Isn't it strange?  I never was, but I had all the symptoms: nausea, tiredness, dizziness, hunger, etc etc, but all tests were negative.  I thought I was going crazy.  From reading all of the things you ladies have said though I guess I'm not alone.  Maybe the old hormones are playing tricks on us!  I will try not to worry, and remember that I don't have a period because I am still b/feeding , and NOT because I am pregnant!  Good luck everyone.

[lmw921]

Hi everyone.  when my son was 3 months old i felt all the syptoms (symptoms) that everyone has posted here.  Nausea, slight cramping, sore nipples, moodiness, etc.  I was convinced I was pregnant even though I had not had my period.  I took several preganancy tests over a period of several months.  When my period did return, I again thought I was pregnant every time my period would be about to start.  Now I know that  hormones from the first pregnancy along with hormones from breastfeeding are still in your body in high numbers for the whole first year and can play a lot of tricks on you.

I am now six weeks pregnant (my son is almost a year old).  I am still breast feeding 3 times a day and the plus on the preganacy test was very dark, so the hpt's do still work when you are breast feeding  (also, read the instructions for the hpt, test results are not accurate after the first 10 minutes).  The pregnacy symptoms this time were not a lot different from when I just thought I was pregnant.  One major difference for me is craving specific foods (especially cream).  The other is my period, which has been regular, did not start.  

So none of you are crazy to think you are pregnant.  Hormones from pregnancy and hormones from breastfeeding can cause very similar symptoms, and the only way to know sometimes is to wait and see.  Good luck to everyone.

[karaboo2]

I am kinda of just going to be re-iterating the same old here. I have four month old baby, and my husband and I have had two or three unguarded acts of indescretion. I am exclusively breastfeeding (so who knows if I am ovulating). I had a period back in January, but haven't had one since. I have been cramping daily, nothing really painful--just noticeable, hot flashes, and waves of nausea. Took two HPTs and both were IMMEDIATELY negative. I went back to double check them after about 5-10 minutes, still negative. Def. not trying to have another baby at this point, someday though. But I think we are all normal....should I even bother to re-test in 2 weeks. The OBGYN says its totally normal to cramp and have sporadic, irregular cycles (if at all) during nursing.

[kallum]

my baby is 6 months old and i started bleeding a tiny bit but it dosnt last and i dont need anything at night, it has been 2 days and now it's mostly discharge with some brown coloring, i think it could be implantation but i dont know how a first period starts when nursing. can someone tell me.

[Je_lisa01]

I have not breastfed my son in about 4 weeks regularly but i still have a little breastmilk left. Is it possible to go back to breastfeeding regularly?  If so about how long will it take to produce a good amout if i do it 4 to 6 times a day?