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Question: Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding? Answer: Yes, you can, although there is only a 2% chance of getting pregnant if:
These guidelines were set by Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) of child spacing in 1994. Breastfeeding fewer than five times per day or going six or more hours between feedings can increase your chances of becoming fertile. Introducing supplemental feedings or pacifiers can also increase your chances of fertility. Ovulation usually does not occur before the first menstrual period after giving birth, but is not 100% reliable. This means you could become pregnant while breastfeeding even though you have not had a menstrual period since delivery. If you do not wish to become pregnant, contraception is usually recommended at your 6-week postpartum check up. This is a good time to
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discuss contraception options. The progesterone-only birth control pill is recommended while nursing, as estrogen in the combination pill can reduce milk supply. If you wish to become pregnant again, you may find it difficult to conceive while still breastfeeding. For more information on natural family planning, the following books are available: Your Fertility Signals: Using Them to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy Naturally by Merryl Winstein; and The Art of Natural Family Planning by John and Sheila Kippley. Reference:1. Mohrbacher N., and Stock J. Breastfeeding Answer Book, La Leche League Revised Edition 1997
Sharon Johnson is the proud mom of her breastfed son (age 5), and an RN with experience in labor, delivery and postpartum. She is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant currently working at Scripps Encinitas and in the Sharp Healthcare system. She also provides private lactation consultations. |
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Leslie Wynn RN PHN, mom As a working mother of 3 children, 6 1/2, 4, & 16 months, I can appreciate the joy, anxiety and stress of most working moms. Working and breastfeeding is possible; it takes commitment, planning, and a good pump. Before going on maternity leave, start asking your employer about a lactation room, support services, and policies regarding expressing breastmilk while at work. The purpose of this is to plan for what you will need in order to be successful. Some things to look for at work: a private room that is clean and has a lock on the door; an electrical outlet and a table; and a sink in the same room would be a bonus. Next, speak with your direct supervisor to get a feel for the level of support that you can expect to receive. Be positive and proactive in your approach and maybe even a little creative. Once you have delivered your child, spend the next month (at a minimum) exclusively breastfeeding. Get the hang of breastfeeding: enjoy the peace and the connection you make with your baby. If family members want to help, ask for help in doing the laundry, cooking, shopping, cleaning, or watching older siblings, if it is appropriate. Do not skip the night feedings. Although you may be tired, they are very important in order to keep up your milk supply. If you are able, take advantage of the Family Leave Act and enjoy the next 3 months with your baby. If you are not able to do that, |
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then maximize the time you have and plan to start pumping 1-2 weeks before you return. Building up your milk reserves helps to ease the mind when one day doesn't go exactly as planned. While you are on leave, start looking for a quality electric double breast pump. Although they can be expensive, it is well worth the investment. One thing we have started in my office is to take up a collection and, as an office baby gift, we give a quality breast pump. If you don't receive a good pump as a gift, go to a lactation store and ask them to recommend a pump. Double pumping is the most effective and efficient way to get the job done in a limited amount of time. Look for a bag that also doubles as a cooler. Most bags allow the storage of up to 24 ounces and stay cool for 8-10 hours. Avoid storing the milk in the community refrigerator: who knows how often that gets cleaned out? Finally, speak to other working moms who have made it work. By my third child, I had it down to a science and it was just a normal part of my day. I looked for low cost solutions to storage and organization styles to help guide my planning. I communicated regularly with my day care provider on how to handle breastmilk and when they should and shouldn't feed the baby. Be open to seek the advice of seasoned moms. Most of us have learned the hard way - take advantage of that. Know that you are doing what is best for your child, your family, and you! All that hard work will pay off! |
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