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View Full Version : Is it just a signing of giving up b/f, or could I be pregnant?



RuthK
28-09-2006, 09:12
Hi

I've just weaned by 3rd baby (he's 9 months old). My husband and I are also trying for a 4th baby and I'm due my AF in 2-3 days.

We've been weaning off slowly over the last 2 weeks, dropping 1 feed at a time, until we were down to 1 every 2 days at which point I stopped. After 3 days without feeding I'm not engorged, just a little full. But my nipples are extremely sore and sensitive to touch! My breasts themselves are not too tender, just slightly tender as when they're slightly full. Add to this no mood swings (typical with me pre AF) and no cramping and a good bout of diarrhea (usually am constipated this stage too).

Are these symptoms likely to have come about due to the side effects of weaning or would you say that the're moreso a sign of pregnancy? With my first child we tried for No.2 whilst I was b/f him but did not conceive until the first full month after he was weaned. Based on this I took it that I was one of those women who could not fall pregnant when b/f.

R

Pinky McKay
30-09-2006, 13:27
Hi RuthK

I think I would be sneaking out to buy
a pregnancy testing kit if I were you!:yelclap:

The return to fertility depends on the baby's feeding patterns which in turn affect the mother's body - not necessarily the same pattern with each baby.

AS your baby is nine months old, you have probably actually been 'weaning' for a while - as soon as your baby has other food or liquids besides breastfeeding, sleeps longer between feeds suckles less at the breast, your own hormonal levels will change and ovulation will return - if you are already menstruating there is a chance that your body is ready to conceive or soon will be.

Tender breasts may be a symptom of PMT or some milk build up as you wean and you can express or offer your baby a feed to help you feel comfortable. However, sensitive nipples seem to suggest that you may have become pregnant. No promises though. You know your body best - see if your nipples settle and what happens in the next few days - if you are still supsicious -go and get that testing kit!

Pinky