How likely is it to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

[alaysha]

I had my daughter 8 weeks ago and have been breastfeeding exclusively since day one. DH and I started having sex again about 3 weeks ago. I tried lube that has spermicid or whatever its called but it seems like I'm allergic to it. I'm also allergic to latex. I could try those sheep stomach (?) condoms but they freak me out (silly I know). I'm supposed to get my iud put in next week so that's good. How common is it though to get pregnant while breastfeeding? Im really fertile I think since I got pregnant the first time despite taking the morning after pill and the second pregnancy I was on the nuva ring and still got preggo. I just can't get pregnant again so I'm freaking out until I get the iud and need a little reassurance.

[Ashelen]

Awww Sun I would totally give you some if I could...its a true blessing but it's also a true curse. For instance, right now I'm approaching AF and no sign of her...I've conceived while on BC before, m/c, and both of my babies were conceived the first month trying....I really want another baby, but not right now. We would be happy....but I really want AF to show up, it's very stressful.

I was still exclusively BFing and got my first pp period about 3 1/2-4wks after delivery with DS...and DH and I had sex 2 1/2wks PP but thank goodness we used a condom even though I didn't think I could O yet because that would've been primo conception time if we hadn't protected ourselves :-/.

[SunWorshiper_26]

I want to be fertile like you guys!!  It took me 34 months to get pregnant!  I don't plan on using bc again bc it's been so darn hard plus expensive with the fertility meds so once this baby comes out another one can start cooking whenever it's ready. But send some of your fertility this way ;)

[AHP84]

I exclusively breastfeed and I have the Mirena IUD. It has never affected my milk supply.

[30something13]

I was told that once 13 years ago by my OBGYN but I don't use pills or the such so I never went into detail and never asked any dr about it since. Did her milk drop at all from it? I can't use meds becasue of I have low blood pressure and it also cause sugar problems for me for some reason.

3-4 weeks yikes girl!! I could not do that... Are you going to take pills then? or are you and if so did it do anything to your milk?

[Clysta]

The IUD is fine for if you're nursing. I know someone with it, and she nursed for over a year without problems. You can use the shot, IUD or
Mini pill. Anyways. You should be fine. Have your doctors said anything about waiting a certain amount of time for sex before getting the IUD in? I was told to abstain for 3-4 weeks to be sure I wasn't pregnant when I went in to have it done.

[30something13]

yeah I have a latex allergy also! Try the polyurethane ones! They are OK as good as they can be,haha.  

OK now I also want to warn you that the iud might casue problems with nursing and I was told you can't use them with nursing casue of the hormones in them getting to the baby. I was told you can only have the mini pill but even that will hurt your milk. IDK

OK now I have gotten pregnant with my second wihen #1 was 6 months # 3 when # 2 was 9 months and #4 when #3 was 12 months old! It seemed like once they slept through the night is when it happened. I know that when you lessen the night time feeds it takes away the hormone change. I did have regular cycles from 6 weeks on with them all too though. I am 5 months post partum again with #5 and I have not used anything but have yet to cycled either. I did though have what I thought was a BFP a fews weeks ago but I guess it was wrong. Once my little one sleeps through the night I will start taking my BBT to pin point O and will use condoms only during that time. We are wanting to try though when he is 9-12 months old though for another one;)

So long story short I am fertile also and actully had a reversal to have #5! When the baby starts sleeping through the night or sometime eating baby food more is when O starts and cycles start. I do know that the longer you take to have a cycle if you have not the more chance you will O the two weeks before your first cycle. Most woman start by 14 months if BF exclusivly.

With my 2nd I was BF using a condom and he pulled out and still got pregnant! With my 4th it was a one time thing and was 2 days after my period and I O'd 4 days later and was pregnant!

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I too am extremely fertile, but it is extremely rare to get pregnant while exclusively breastfeeding, this quickly after giving birth.  I have done extensive research on this as I was trying to get pregnant recently and am also breastfeeding.  Some women can't get pregnant while breastfeeding, while some can.  It just depends on the woman.  BUT, only 8 weeks pp, it would be very RARE for any woman.  Even women that can get pregnant while breastfeeding, fertility doesn't normally return until at least 6 months after giving birth.  I think you are probably safe :)

[Spiket77]

There are several brands of non-latex condoms. They aren't made from animal parts either. Trojan and Durex make some out of polyurethane. If you can't find them in a store...order them on-line. Just google non-latex condoms.

[SunWorshiper_26]

I was going to say exactly what Julia said

[julianovak]

HMMM obstain from you know what.... lol. the sheep stomache would totally freak me out too..... yes you can get prego with out EVER getting your period. REMEMBER you have to ovulate BEFORE dear af arrives.... just a thought ;)