Breastfeeding-to stop or not to stop

Angela - posted on 06/29/2010

Oh well done you. Continue, continue , continue. I breast fed my eldest son till he was 3 yrs and my little one is 2 1/2 yrs and still feeding. It is true that breast feeding can be like a contraceptive but i think you will find once your child is eating more solids and taking a little less milk you will find you will start to menstruate again therefore making your cahnces of conceiving ok. I assuming that your child has probably only been eating solids for the last 3 or 4 months so gradulally he will take more solids and drop some milk feeds. I wish all the luck in the world and hope that helps. Toddler feeding can be sooooo beneficial and rewarding.

Angela x

Darcy - posted on 06/28/2010

Keep up the great work!!! American Pediatric Association recommends nursing for 1 year, but the World Health Organization recommends two years. Is your son sleeping through the night yet? My daughter started sleeping through the night around 9 months and so night feedings stopped and by 10 months (I was still period-less)...I found out I was expecting! It is possible to conceive while you are breast-feeding. I continued nursing my daughter until she was 14 months old, and I was almost 6 months pregnant! It is still okay to do even if you are pregnant. Your body will adjust accordingly to everyone's nutritional demands.

Amanda - posted on 06/28/2010

You can still ovulate while breastfeeding, so the chances are there. Are you still nursing 8-12 times a day? I know even at 10 months that may seem a bit high, but William is almost 7 months and he still eats that often in a 24 hour period. Have you talked to your doctor yet? They may have a better answer.

Samantha - posted on 06/28/2010

you can get pregnant while breastfeeding...i got my period after 13 weeks. My son is almost 13 months and I am still happily breastfeeding :)

Kayla - posted on 06/28/2010

even though you havent had your period you can still get pregnant... i say breastfeed him as long as possible... formula is terrible for babies its just a bunch of corn and man made "vitamins"

id maybe think about waiting for baby 2 dr's say its best to give your body about 2 years to fully heal before getting pregnant again

Kathryn - posted on 06/28/2010

Breastfeeding is the best thing for your son. They say to do it till at least a year. The longer the better. I wish I could have done it longer. You can get pregnant while breastfeeding. We learned that in our birthing class. I say keep breastfeeding till you feel it is time to stop. Good luck!

Leslye - posted on 06/26/2010

Just because you have not gotten your period yet does not mean you are not ovulating, so it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. As a lactation consultant, I have worked with many women who have nursed through pregnancy and tandem nursed a toddler and newborn, should you so desire!
If you are enjoying nursing your son, there is no reason to stop-you are both still benefitting from nursing. There is lots of info on line about how to conceive while nursing. Make sure you have a supportive OB! Leslye Adelman

Jennifer - posted on 06/26/2010

It's so awesome you are still nursing. My daughter is 2 and 1/2 and I am still nursing. I got my period at 11 months. I think you should keep nursing. It is so healthy for you and him. You will probably get your period soon. Hopefully he weens before baby 2 comes. My daughter is the last one, so I'm nursing her as long as she wants. It's only America that stops so early. Almost all other countries nurse until average 4 & 1/2. America is so backwards!

Sherrie - posted on 06/26/2010

keep nursing ..giggle you can still get prego..:P when he is a year old you can start to lessin his nursing sessions by adding a sippy cup insead of breast, but if you want to wean then wean if not then dont do it, if you lessen his sessions at a year you may become more fertile, but i would injoy this bouncin boobie baby..giggle and ket number 2 come when your body says..giggle


sorry for a short post my 22 mth old is nursing while i'm typing..:P

Esther - posted on 06/26/2010

Well, I think there are some things to consider. Planning a baby when life is in God's hands is really hard and even harder when you can't monitor if there are eggs coming down. So, if you want to have another baby soon, I'd think about beginning the weaning process so that you are not nursing while pregnant. But, if you did not decide to have a baby so soon, I would recommend not weaning the babe. Nursing them long is very healthy for the immune system and I highly recommend it. I have one child with type one diabetes and only nursed him for about four months. The other children I nursed for about two years. All the other children are healthy, and I really believe that nursing prevents a lot of problems other than type one diabetes (insulin dependent). YOu can keep nursing though, and deal with weaning if a pregnancy occurs. I think the farther they are past 18 months the easier it gets.

Sandra - posted on 06/25/2010

I was breastfeeding my second child and he was only about 8 months old when we conceived our third child. So they are 17 months apart! But I did have one period just about a few weeks before conceivng.



Is your 10 month old your first child?



For some reason, after my third child, I didn't have a period for a long time, way longer than after my other two were born. I was on the "nursing-safe" low-dose birth control too. I just weaned him at two years old. (and I'm on regular birth control now). I think everybody's different, and every pregnancy is different.



After my first child was born, I was also on low-dose birth control and I think I had my period after less than 8 months.



Have you talked to your doctor about this? Maybe he/she has some way of monitoring your fertility level or some advice. Good luck!

Victoria - posted on 06/25/2010

My thoughts are this: breastfeeding is such an organic and natural process, you should truly rely on your feeling and instincts. You are in sync with your baby so go ahead and bf as long as it feels right to you both. Your baby will let you know when it's time to move on. Read the signs. This is such a special time for you and your baby both, and will never be repeated, so once it's over it's over forever. It's between you to alone, so don't let anyone else (hubby included) tell you when it's time to stop. This is ancient wisdom, passed down through generations, best not to mess with it.

Jennifer - posted on 06/25/2010

I would still breastfeed. I breastfed my son for 18 months. He weaned himself. I was gonna try and wean him at 2 yrs, but he decided he had enough. While I was breastfeeding, I didn't have a period until 12 months after he was born. What's actual funny, was a couple days before my son's first birthday, I started my period again. I was also on a birth control pill that worked with breastfeeding. I know have a iud, and got that when my son was 14 months old. We were not ready to have another child yet either, but I have heard of some people getting pregnant while breastfeeding, so it is possible. That's why I started to take the birth control. Keep up the breastfeeding. It's the best thing for the child, and an awesome experience for the both of you.

Caroline - posted on 06/25/2010

I breatfeed my first child until just after her 2nd birthday and she self weaned while I was pregnant with my second child.
I had only 1 period from her birth until she weaned at 2 years which was when she was about 18 months old, approx 5 months before I got pregnant with my 2nd child, and never had another period after that. The timing of that period looking back was when she naturally reduced her feeds. I found out I was pregnant with baby number 2 while I was still feeding her and so concieved while breastfeeding and without having periods. Within a month of finding out she was hardly feeding anymore and so we stopped the feeding altogether, Im now feeding baby no 2 and loving it, hope this helps

Ella - posted on 06/25/2010

I am a hardcore proponent of EBF. I say keep BFing as long as possible. Try taking your temp to see if you are ovulating.

Angela - posted on 06/25/2010

Hi Tami! Just wanted to share my story quickly...My son never took a bottle (not that we'd have given him formula anyway) and wouldn't eat baby food so he started with solids (cooked beans) around 10 months. That was when my body started catching on and I got my first period after he was born. It took a couple months to regulate (watch that first period, mine was AWFUL!) but we were lucky enough to get pregnant with #2 the first time we tried. I should also mention that this is my 2nd marriage and in my early 20's (I'm 32 now) I had surgery and was put on Clomid and couldn't get pregnant so fertility has been a problem for me. Our son was a miracle baby and I guess my doc was right because he "reset" my fertility button and we had no problems. Also, my son self weaned at 18 months (I always thought I'd stop at a year but it didn't seem what was best for him, he wasn't ready). I was 2 months pregnant then. Not sure if the taste changed, like they say, because he still tried to nurse but the pregnancy did change my flow and what little I had left (since he only nursed before bed at night) pretty much went away. I've heard that's common too. Anyway, my point is nursing doesn't preclude you from getting pregnant and if it feels right, keep nursing! I can't tell you how proud I am as a mother that I did what my son felt was best for him. Good luck!

Judy - I've had 3 girlfriends get their period a month after they gave birth and have also breastfed exclusively; the article is interesting but I think a bit misleading. Just wanted to add that. And hang in there, my son nursed every 2 hours religiously but even he backed off as he got older. It's not always that demanding :)

Jessica - posted on 06/25/2010

When my daughter turned one, she started drinking regular milk and eating more solids. At that time, she (like most others) naturally required much less milk, and nursed less. I could have weaned he rthen, but I wasn't ready yet. My period came back around then, even though we were still nursing a couple times a day. Actually, I just completely weaned her last week (and she's 2 1/2). I was VERY ready to stop, even though she wasn't. If you are planning to have another baby, I would wean when you decide to begin trying. It will make it easier for everyone in the long run, and your growing baby will get all of the nutrients they need. But if you both still enjoy it, I wouldn't wean until you decide to try and get pregnant. Just my thoughts.

Raelene - posted on 06/25/2010

Preparing formula bottles can be time consuming, but if you wait until your son is 12months, he can have cows milk from a sippy cup. I found once my son was weaned, he and his dad grew a stronger bond as he was able to help with feeds- but I stopped bf at 7 months as my son just wanted to see the world around him as he fed and weaned himself. You and your son are doing great to have gone as long as you have and I think you should continue to do what feels right for you both.

Sarah - posted on 06/24/2010

Way to go Mama! 10 months is a great amount of time. Weaning is tough stuff. There are definately benefits to continuing to breastfeed, but it's a personal decision. My cycles returned at 7 months postpartum and at 33 months, we are still nursing. How much is your little one nursing? Is he nursing around the clock? What about ngihtweaning or cutting back some after a year? By 18 months he should be moving more towards 75% solids and 25% breastfeeding for caloric intake. It doesn't sound like either of you are ready to wean just yet. Good luck making a decision.

Sheena - posted on 06/24/2010

i wouldnt wean.. im going to let my son wean himself... even if your not getting your period u can still get pregnant. your eggs r still releasing... hope that helps...

Kris - posted on 06/24/2010

I'd say continue nursing and keep your plan to get pregnant. From my experience babies never ween as plan.

Kimrose - posted on 06/24/2010

Forgot to add that it always CHANGES too - just when you feel like "all you do is nurse" it might change - always think it would help Moms to know that when they feel overwhelmed :( ... :) :)

Kimrose - posted on 06/24/2010

Just my two cents - I decided on child led weaning pretty early b/c it just felt right to me - I won't tell you how long - let's just say he was particularly attached to nursing ;) - no doubt in my mind it only made him more secure, independent, etc. That said, my period totally came back at about six months despite TONS of nursing, so it really is different for everyone. Also - the absolute minimum suggested nursing time is a year - and really now it's TWO years per American Pediatrics and the World Health Organization...just additional info... Good luck making the best decision for you and your little one!

Andrea - posted on 06/24/2010

Just because you haven't got your period does not mean you can't get pregnant. As your son weans to less feedings a day your chances of becoming pregnant increase. I also have a 10 month old that I planned on weaning at a year originally. Now I feel that would be sad for both of us to stop just because he reached 1 year old...I am going to keep on as long as it works for him and me. He has already weaned down and only nurses about 4 times/day which has brought more freedom for me.

Rachel - posted on 06/24/2010

i stopped nursing my oldest when he was 13 months old.. he simply just lost interest... when he was 11 months old i was pregnant with my youngest... i continued to nurse for 2 more months.. then 7 months later started again with my youngest lol

Kerri - posted on 06/24/2010

You can still get pregnant while nursing. Sometimes it takes longer but it is still possible. I wouldn't give up doing what is still best for your child and what is such a wonderful experience for both of you, just to try for another child. Just my oppinion. I would for sure still continue nursing, that way you get the best of both worlds, you can still nuse like you want but there still is a chance of getting pregnant so you can still be trying for another baby at the same time :)

Ashleigh - posted on 06/23/2010

**As long as you are nursing you will not have a period but you can get pregnant.**
Remember that everyone is different:)I was nursing my first son when at 6months I startd my cycle and it idn't stop for another 6months-thats right 6months straight!That is NOT normal btw.I was put on the pill,continued to nurse my son and was pregnant again in 2 months.I don't mean to worry anyone either-and I was maybe not very smart in waiting so long to go to my Dr.

Ashleigh - posted on 06/23/2010

Go ahead and try for that baby.I got pregnant twice while nursing.I have very irregular cycles anyway,so I've gotten pregnant 3 times w/o having a period(unlikely i know)You could ask your Dr about a a mini pill to get your period started back and then after the first month stop taking it.I don't know if thats common,but my Dr started me on the pill after I hadn't had a cycle in 2 years.I got pregnant with my third son almost immediatly.
I got pregnant with my 4th son while I was nursing my 3rd and on the pill(I'm just really fertile,lol)and continued to nurse him until he was 22months old-2months before his brother was born.
I hope my experience helps you out.Just ask your Dr what they think :)

Liz - posted on 06/23/2010

I agree with Krystle wait to wean him till a year unless he weans himself. my son is also 10 months and i got my monthly gift last month but unlike you i want to wait to have another heavenly gift so i'm on birth control because of the chance i could get pregnant but my son only bf 3 times a day so i think he may be on his way to weaning himself. good luck in adding to your family :)

Krystle - posted on 06/23/2010

I got my period at 10 months...I'm guessing it's just around the corner.

Of course it's up to you, but if I was in your situation I'd wait to wean at least until he is a year (that way you don't have to try to give him formula) and see how well he's eating table food.

Nicole - posted on 06/23/2010

I would just go with it. Your period will come back sooner than you think or (more likely) you'll end up pregnant without even knowing that you have ovulated. Most women ovulate by 12 months postpartum whether they are breastfeeding or not. I wouldn't stress about it. I would give it a few months and then revisit the situation in a few months.

Simone - posted on 06/23/2010

i think just go with the flow. i thought i wanted to wean at 1yr as well but just kept on feeding. i cut him down to morning and night feeds after one and then at 15mths he self weaned. two weeks later i found out i was pregnant. i had a two periods from when he was 7mths, kinda random so i wasn't really think of being pregnant when i started feeling a bit sick. you can still concieve without having a period so i reckon just try
and if nothing comes of it then maybe look at weaning.

Karen - posted on 06/23/2010

hey there>>how are u! well u do whats best for you and your son!...its alot better for him!do not worry about other peoples opinions as your his mum....I know i go through myself as my daughter is 2 years and 3 months....so u keep going there love....plus as u well know its the bondness between u too!,,thats the best thing,,,in life..i wish u well on your feeding!if u ever want to give it up...that is your choice....don't let anyone choose it for u! Good Luck!!!!

Melinda - posted on 06/23/2010

Well, I don't think I'm going to say anything new here. I would start taking folic acid and start trying in the next couple months. You don't need to stop nursing just yet. I recommend trying for a few months. I know so many women that got pregnant while nursing; and often they were told to stop nursing but didn't. It will feel like a lot of soul searching as you navigate through, but it's so likely to become pregnant while nursing. If a few months go by and nothing has happened you might talk with your Dr and llli leader. . .

Kacy - posted on 06/23/2010

totally up to you and baby! my 1st nursed all the way thru my next pregnancy and nursed till she was three. my second nursed until he was about 14 months old and quit and at that point I was about three months pregnant. I nursed the first two together. I loved it! people will pressure you no matter what. pressure to nurse in the beginning and pressure not to nurse once the baby is bigger. do what makes you guys happy!

Rebecca - posted on 06/23/2010

Congratulations! I nursed my youngest son for 4 1/2 years. My original goal was 6 months and kept pushing it out fartehr when we reached each goal because it was themost rewarding thing I have ever done & he is allergic to dairy products so the logical idea in my mind was to keep nursing him. after 2 if was more like a drive by milking, lol. Why the rush for another baby so soon? Enjoy this one & let it happen when it happens. Good luck!

Brenda - posted on 06/22/2010

just because you're not getting a period doesn't mean you're not ovulating - you can still fall pregnant while breastfeeding. We're at 19 months of breastfeeding and LOVING it!

Toni - posted on 06/22/2010

If you haven't had a period, you might want to try and wean off a couple feeds a day and see if that helps. I didn't have one until I slowed down to only breastfeeding in the morning and right before bed, and then I got pregnant within a month! I was torn between wanting to continue breastfeeding and wanting to have another baby. I didn't want to attempt breastfeeding and pregnancy at the same time as I get terrible morning sickness in the first few months. I had collected a lot of milk and stored in in the freezer so that I could still be giving my baby breastmilk even though I was done feeding. That helped me to feel like I was still doing that great thing for my baby.

Celine - posted on 06/22/2010

I know it's hard, you need lots of support and you can't have it always. What you can do to ccope is take brewer's yeast as a food supplement. This gives you great skin, hair and energy cos it's basically some vitamin B. Drink lot's of water. I nursed my 3 children and my last took me 2 years to wean him. I was just too tired to continue though I have friends who actually weaned their children at 4 years. Time to wean him to encourage different tastes and testures. This should be a fun time observing and experimenting if possible getting him involved like picking vegetables and preparing it. Let nature take it's course where getting pregnant is concerned or you'll give yourselves too much stress.

Coral - posted on 06/22/2010

Im still breast feeding and Iceni is 15months, she only feeds at home now and mainly at night. i know i will give up soon, but like you it is so wonderful to see them there. I said when she had teeth, then when she bites me, then when she's crawling, now its when she is waling, and she has taken about 20 steps on her own, so the time is coming for me to stop. The hardest thing is now is she says booby and puts herself there when she wants it, so it will be hard. I wish you luck.

Ashley - posted on 06/22/2010

I nursed my son until he was 17 months. I got pregnant with my second when he was 15 months. You can still get pregnant when nursing. The older he gets the less he will nurse and it will increase your chances of getting pregnant. Plus you can still nurse for as long as you like!

Bonnie - posted on 06/22/2010

Nursing won't stop you from getting pregnant, especially as your son reduces the amount he nurses. I got pregnant when I was still nursing my daughter. I had to stop once I was pregnant, but only because it started hurting like crazy.

Michelle - posted on 06/22/2010

Continue to enjoy your nursing relationship with your son for as long as you want. It is possible to get pg while bf. My youngest was concieved just a couple months of trying while bf my middle child. The book Taking Charge of Your Fertility and the website Fertility Friend can be helpful in teaching you your fertility signs which may be helpful in recognizing when you are fertile.
Best of luck to you! :)

Ann - posted on 06/20/2010

kellymom.com is extremely helpful website in regards to tandem feeding.

Victoria - posted on 06/19/2010

you can still get pregnant while you bf. so keep going if you enjoy it. and good luck!!

Melanie - posted on 06/19/2010

I have 4 children. I have breastfed all of them for 2years. After my 1st two my periods came back at 14 months. After my 2nd 2 my period came back at 9 months. Everyone is different, I just thought I would tell you my story. Personally, I would continue feeding. It will happen for :)

Olivia - posted on 06/18/2010

I know it dosn't always happen I was in a rush typing, I state that EVERYONE is different. :)

Teresa - posted on 06/18/2010

Your first statement isn't always accurate, Olivia, as I've had my period every month since my now 2 year old was 2.5 months old... and we're still breastfeeding. :)

Olivia - posted on 06/18/2010

As long as you are nursing you will not have a period but you can get pregnant. I myself enjoy breastfeeding, it is so rewarding, you can continue to breastfeed for up to 2 or even 3 years. It all depends on your need and your baby's needs. I suggest to talk to your OB, they can help you.

Colleen - posted on 06/18/2010

I agree with Kate and the "me" time thing...plus preparing bottles consumes WAY more of your time than BF EVER will. I consider the BF times as "me" time! It's such a special time to share between the two of us! My son will be 18 months old in a week and is showing no sign of stopping! We both love that time together and look forward to it!