I’m still breastfeeding DS who is 18 months, he feeds as and when he likes really, which varies in the day, sometimes he’ll go 8 hours without wanting to feed, other days every 4 or so hours. And in the night we cosleep and he feeds what feels like quite alot, but I don’t clockwatch so am not entirely sure how often!!

Anyway, we are both quite happy with this, however, DH and I feel ready to start TTC again soon, and my periods have not yet returned. I have read that night weaning may be the best way to start ovulating again, but feel like I may be sacrificing what’s best for DS

And I was just wondering what experiences, thoughts, ideas any of you lovely people have please?!

Thanks in advance! 

Hi there…I dont know how much help this will be for you but wanted to throw it out there for you anyway. When my daughter started to feed a little less at night my cycle started again, but I didnt force any feeds to stop, she just seemed to naturally outgrow them (though she was 18 months she was a part time cosleeper, part time own bed sleeper) I conceieved very quickly and was still breastfeeding my daughter and the doctors were amazed at the myth being busted about not being able to fall pregnant while breastfeeding….but thats what happens when health professionals aren’t very aware of ‘extended’ breastfeeding! Anyway…we lost our baby, he was stillborn, so I still just have the one little one, but I just wanted to reassure you a little bit that it shouldnt be a problem to contnue feeding your little one whilst trying to concieve and during pregnancy, although do be aware that your milk supply may slowly diminsh once pregnant and (like my daughter did around 5 months into pregnancy when milk turns back to colostrum, self wean. Though I know this doesnt awalsy happen and so you may well have the delightful prospect of tandem feeding anyway!)

could you perhaps move him into a little bed or mattress of his own near you so that you might encourage gently a night feed or so to be dropped rather than forcing it?

I know that I havent given lots of advice here, but just wanted to show some support to you.

Blessings x

I conceived my DS while still feeding my DD. It was a slightly different situation as I did have my periods back and had done for some months despite her co-sleeping and still feeding a fair bit at night. She did self-wean while I was pregnant as I’m fairly sure my milk dried up, but seemed happy with the situation as she gradually cut down. Not sure how helpful that is for you, but thought I’d tell you my experience!

Following this with interest as I’m still awaiting the return of my cycles too. I did get pregnant with my second DS whilst feeding DS1, but my periods had been back for over a year at that point (came back when DS1 was 9 months I think). I’m now breastfeeding 17 month old DS (co-sleeping and nightfeeding), was tandem feeding for a year, and just figured my body needed a bit of time out before any more growing work I’d love another little one though, and keep getting little signs of ovulation, so spend a lot of time wondering ‘if’...I do sometimes think it would just be nice to be back to ‘normal’! I’ve had a feeling that I wouldn’t see another period between our last and next child, so perhaps that will come to pass…

I may have imagined it but I think I read that being deficient in B vitamins can delay the return of periods?? Please confirm/deny this theory please peeps! I’m pretty sure I need a top up in this vitamin anyway so that would make sense…

Looking forward to reading more!
xx

Thank you so much for the replies ladies.

Nice to hear that some of you have managed to fall pregnant while still breastfeeding!

Thanks for the support Gem, I am very sorry to hear about your loss though. Will have a think about the bed idea! 

Liz, thank you for sharing your experiences. Interesting to hear your cycle came back while still feeding a fair bit at night. And your DD gradually self weaning sounds nice and gentle too

Nice to hear someone in the same boat devonmama! Will be off to have a look at the Vitamin B thing in a minute - thanks for the tip!  What would we do without the GP forums eh!
 
Hopefully my cycle won’t be too long to return. I’d love to carry on feeding DS, and if he didn’t self wean while I was pregnant, I’d love to give tandem feeding a go!!

But I am starting to feel more and more broody by the day and trying not to be impatient. 

yep I have become pregnant twice whilst feeding and one of those times were when my periods had not turned !!!! good luck you body will do it when it’s ready.

Thanks Jen, that’s encouraging, I always think that the body knows what it’s doing!! x

As if by magic…..................I got my period a few days ago!!

So it looks like things may fall into place nicely   I totally agree with trusting your body, and looks like my body is very much in tune with my feelings!

Hopes yours returns soon Devonmama. Or maybe you will fall pregnant before you have one like you said!

Hello,

I just searched for this topic in the archives and so I know I am very late in replying.

I was wondering if you had any further news?

We are also trying to conceive - have had my period for 6 months now, although the past 6 months have been very stressful. I’m breastfeeding my 18 month old daughter on demand and not prepared to stop or cut down just yet, but also aware that although I’m having regular periods I may not actually be ovulating!

I would recommend ‘Taking Charge of your Fertility’ for anyone interested as it has been such an eye-opener!

Kendal x