TTC while Breastfeeding and no AF...is it possible?

**Miriam** · 29-12-2008 16:13

My DD is 20 months old and is still breastfeeding (alot)...and my period hasn't returned yet

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I would love to try again for another baby as I'm starting to get on a bit (I'm 33) but I don't want to wean my DD just so I can conceive another child.

I'm starting to get a bit down about it as I always thought I would tandem feed and do child led weaning.

What can I do to restart my periods that doesn't include cutting back feeds like night feeds etc. My DD is very small as well so she really relies on her night feeds to keep weight on.

Any advice or personal stories would be greatly appreciated.

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V8 · 29-12-2008 16:46

I have no idea if there is anything you can do, if i were in that situation though i would think about getting something like a maybe baby or ovulation kits and see if you are actually ovulating as you can still ovulate even without a period, and if you time it right you could fall pregnant. I hope you get pregnant soon and are able to tandem feed

**Miriam** · 30-12-2008 11:38

Thanks for your reply V8

I do have a maybe baby so I will start using it. I wasn't totally sure if it was possible to ovulate and then not have a period but if you can then that's great

I've heard lots of stories about women falling pregnant while breastfeeding and no AF so

It'll happen for me too.

Weaning my DD is absolutely out of the question so perhaps I'll just have to accept that I might have a bigger age gap between children than I would want.

Thanks again V8, I feel alot more positive now

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**BlueGin** · 30-12-2008 12:03

Originally Posted by V8

as you can still ovulate even without a period,

Sorry to be a downer but I don't think that's true, you can have a period without ovulation... but once the egg is released something has to happen, it stays there and is fertilised or comes out with a period.
BUT, I hope I am wrong

I conceived while still breastfeeding (my son had several feeds a night and a few during the day) for me it was one lunch time feed he dropped. It must have kick started my system as that's the month I fell pregnant.

Would it be detrimental to her do you think to drop a day feed? If so then just fingers crossed you get a lucky egg

**Miriam** · 30-12-2008 13:36

BlueGin;3372827]Sorry to be a downer but I don't think that's true, you can have a period without ovulation... but once the egg is released something has to happen, it stays there and is fertilised or comes out with a period.

Oh no! I've read so much conflicting information on this. Some say it's possible...others say it's not. I really hope it is possible

I conceived while still breastfeeding (my son had several feeds a night and a few during the day) for me it was one lunch time feed he dropped. It must have kick started my system as that's the month I fell pregnant.

Would it be detrimental to her do you think to drop a day feed? If so then just fingers crossed you get a lucky egg

I think I'll try maybe dropping one or two day feeds as she does feed alot during the day as well as the night. The night feeds will be too hard as we cosleep and she relies on breastfeeding to get back to sleep. During the day would be easier as I could distract her with something or try offering food or drink instead.

Thanks BlueGin, it's good to know it's worked for someone else.

**KatiesMum** · 30-12-2008 14:27

Unfortunately Bluegin is right.

You cannot ovulate without having a period afterwards.

In order for you to carry a baby, you must release an egg, it must be fertalised and then must implant in the endometrial lining of your uterus .... so this lining MUST build up during the luteal phase of your cycle (just after ovulation) .... if the egg is not fertalised, that lining must break down and be dispersed before another egg can be released ... so you must have a period before you can ovulate again.

There are a number of people who conceive without having a period - but they have actually conceived on their first ovulation cycle .... they would have had a period except they fell pregnant.

I would see a doctor and see if they can help to get your cycle back in order for you to conceive.

**Miriam** · 30-12-2008 14:53

Thanks for the info Katiesmum. What you said makes sense. I guess it's off to the Doc's for me then.

What sorts of things will a doctor prescribe to get my cycle back in order. Would it be some kind of hormonal treatment? Sorry for my ignorance

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**KatiesMum** · 30-12-2008 14:58

I dont know, but one of the options is they may put you on the mini pill (prog only) which may get your cycles started and it is safe to take during breastfeeding.

Other than that, I am not really sure as I havent been in that situation. I know that their are natural remedies you can look into to try as well - but just be careful ....

and good luck.

**Miriam** · 30-12-2008 15:05

Thanks Katiesmum

I'll make an appointment with my Doctor and see what she has to offer.

I'm definitely more inclined to go down the natural treatment path though, so if anyone has any info or success stories, I would really love to hear them.

What about accupuncture? Has anyone had any success with it? I might try seeing a Naturopath as well.

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