There are so many misconceptions associated with sex, pregnancy, and everything related to sexual organs. Some women think they cannot get pregnant if they have sex just before their periods. Similarly, some women are of the view that they cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding. It is a misconception because getting pregnant while breastfeedingis possible and completely normal.

Most breastfeeding women experience lactation amenorrhea and have no periods. This is usually the reason why they think they are not ovulating and therefore cannot get pregnant if they engage in sexual intercourse. The reality is different.

Is Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding Possible?

Yes, you can get pregnant even when you are breastfeeding, before your first period even starts. It is true that you will be less fertile during those days, but that does not mean you become infertile while breastfeeding. Even though you do not menstruate for several months after delivery, especially if you breastfeed exclusively, your body releases your first postpartum egg before you experience your period. What it means is that sometimes you do not know if you have ovulated, even though you have not experienced your menstrual period. That is why getting pregnant while breastfeeding is very much possible.

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy  

You need to understand that if you do not want to become pregnant, the only way to ensure is to use birth control whenever you have sex.Using a diaphragm or condoms during sex will keep you from dealing with unwanted pregnancies. You can also take low-dose oral contraceptives while breastfeeding, but it is still a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking those contraceptives. Some of these pills can interfere with lactation.

When Will Your Period Come Back?

It is important to bear in mind that you may not menstruate for up to a year if you are breastfeeding your baby day and night. Your period is more likely to return soon if your baby sleeps through the night and does not require much feeding. This usually happens because breastfeeding stops the production of certain hormones responsible for starting your period. What you should understand is that under most circumstances, you start ovulating any time after three months of lactation. You may be ovulating even if you have not experienced your first period after delivery. If you have unprotected sex when you are ovulating, the chances are you will become pregnant again.

How to Know If There’s Ovulation

Many women ask about ways to know if they are ovulating or not. There is no accurate way to confirm you are ovulating, but you can certain use some tips to get an idea about your fertility. For instance:

• You may be ovulating if you experience an increase in vaginal mucus, especially if it your vaginal discharge is thick, white, and elastic.
• If you notice your temperature rising without any illness, this may be a sign that your body is preparing for ovulation or ovulation has already started.
• You may not experience the same bleeding on your first period after delivery. Instead of bright red, it could be brown or pink discharge. Do not ignore this. It usually means your fertility has returned.

Boosting Chances of Pregnancy While Breastfeeding

While getting pregnant while breastfeeding is a possibility, it does not always work as you have though. Some women want to become pregnant but fail. Here are some points that will help improve your chances of becoming pregnant while lactating.

• Make sure you are healthy before you try it again. Most healthcare professionals suggest waiting for 2 years between pregnancies to ensure your body has all the nutrients needed to complete a pregnancy in a healthy way.
• Keep in mind that your fertility increases when your milk supply depletes. Your baby is less likely to depend on breastfeeding when they reach 6 months of age. This is usually the time when you are more likely to become fertile again.
• Going for at least six hours overnight without breastfeeding will help your ovulation return sooner. You can also supplement breast milk with formula and even give your baby solids and cereals. The idea is simple – you need to breastfeed your baby less often to help regain your fertility. 
• Deal with stress. You should learn to keep calm because stress can decrease your milk supply. Anything from starting a part-time job to increasing your exercise can affect milk production, which in turn will affect your fertility.

Is it necessary to wean to get pregnant?

It is not always required, but breastfeeding can definitely delay your menstrual period. This usually happens when breastfeeding sessions are high. Even if you continue to breastfeed, you can still get pregnant.

Can you breastfeed while pregnant?

It depends on your overall health. You can continue to breastfeed throughout your pregnancy and even nurse your toddler and newborn together. That is called tandem nursing.

Helpful tips

Here are some other effective tips about getting pregnant while breastfeeding.

• Add more vitamin C to your diet. It strengthens your blood vessel walls and speeds the healing of wounds. It can also increase your cervical mucus that in turn makes it easier to conceive.
• Use grapeseed extract to make it easier to conceive. The seed of a grape is its most nutritious part. It works great with vitamin C and serves an antioxidant to improve your overall health.