If you are nursing and thinking about having another baby - or not having another baby - this one's for you!

You may have heard chatter that if you are nursing you can’t get pregnant. Well, we are here to tell you that’s not entirely true.

Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? The short answer is yes, you can!

Your ability to conceive again after childbirth can be somewhat unpredictable, and several factors can affect the timeline, including breastfeeding. Breastfeeding releases hormones that prevent ovulation from happening, which is why many new moms believe that they cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding.

If you're exclusively breastfeeding your baby, it can take longer for your fertility to return. However, the exact timeframe can vary widely. Some moms may be fertile again as soon as three weeks after giving birth, while it may take several months for other moms.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method depends on several factors, including how long and how often you breastfeed, how old your baby is, and your own body. While breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility, it is not a guarantee that you will not get pregnant.

In general, if you're exclusively breastfeeding and not supplementing with formula, your fertility may not return until baby starts to eat solid foods or breastfeed less frequently.

Monitoring Fertility While Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding and trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy, it's essential to monitor your fertility closely. Some ways to tell if you are ovulating include tracking your menstrual cycle, monitoring basal body temperature, checking cervical mucus, and using ovulation predictor kits. It's important to note that these methods may not be as accurate while breastfeeding, as breastfeeding can cause hormonal fluctuations that can affect ovulation.

Yes! … -ish.

It's called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), and it's all about using exclusive breastfeeding to prevent ovulation.

Here's the deal: to use LAM, you need to breastfeed your baby frequently and exclusively, meaning you're not giving any formula or other liquids. Once your period returns, you can no longer use LAM.

Now, let's talk about the pros and cons of LAM.

Pros: One of the biggest advantages is that it's free, natural, and doesn't require any additional devices or hormones. It can also help establish a strong bond between you and baby and provide your baby with essential nutrients.

Cons: It can be tricky to keep up with exclusive breastfeeding, especially if you're working or have other commitments. Also, there's still a chance you could get pregnant while using LAM, so it's not a guarantee.

LAM can be an excellent option, but it's a good idea to discuss your birth control options with your doctor to determine what works best for you.

If you conceive again while breastfeeding, you may be wondering if it's safe to continue to breastfeed while pregnant. Well, the good news is that it is! Prepare yourself, though: this could cause some discomfort or nipple tenderness, especially in the first trimester when hormones tend to run amok. Don't worry; it's usually temporary, and you’ll likely find the discomfort lessens when you’re further along.

Now, let's talk about the benefits of breastfeeding while pregnant. One of the biggest advantages is that you can continue to provide your child with breast milk, which is full of essential nutrients that can support their growth and development. Plus, if you plan on breastfeeding your new baby, breastfeeding during pregnancy can help ease the transition and prepare your body for breastfeeding again.

However, it's important to note that breastfeeding while pregnant can be challenging, especially if you're experiencing discomfort or other pregnancy symptoms. So, it's essential to listen to your body and make any necessary adjustments to ensure both you and your baby are healthy and comfortable. At the end of the day, do what’s best for you and make sure you are taking good care of yourself.

If you're considering breastfeeding while pregnant, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about your individual needs. Your doctor can help you monitor your health and make sure that both you and baby are getting the necessary nutrients. Your doctor can also give you tips to make breastfeeding while pregnant as comfortable as possible.

Every mother's journey with breastfeeding and fertility is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Remember that you know your body best, and you should feel empowered to make the choices that feel right for you and your family. Whether you choose to breastfeed exclusively, pump exclusively, pump occasionally, or not breastfeed at all, what matters most is that you and baby are happy and healthy.

If you're planning to breastfeed or are already breastfeeding, you may have considered using a breast pump. And in that case, the Willow pump is a fantastic option. It's a wearable, wireless pump that fits right inside your bra, making it discreet and easy to use on the go. Learn more about the pump that has revolutionized the breastfeeding game, compare options, and shop our product pages!