Finding out you’re pregnant while still breastfeeding can be a big surprise. You might have thought that nursing would act as a form of birth control, but the truth is, that many women experience an unexpected pregnancy while breastfeeding. If this is your situation, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at how this can happen, what it means for your body and baby, and what you can do next.
Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
1Yes, you can. Breastfeeding can delay ovulation, but it’s not foolproof. This natural method called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), is only effective under specific conditions:
You’re exclusively breastfeeding (every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night).
Your baby is under 6 months old.
You haven’t had your period since giving birth.
If any of these conditions aren’t met, your body may start ovulating again, even if you haven’t seen your period return. This means that a pregnancy can occur without you realizing that your fertility has returned.
How Will Pregnancy Affect Breastfeeding?
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy while breastfeeding, you might wonder if you can continue nursing your current child. The good news is that for most women, breastfeeding while pregnant is safe. However, there are a few things to consider:
Milk Supply: As your pregnancy progresses, hormonal changes might decrease your milk supply. Your baby may also notice a difference in taste, which might lead to self-weaning.
Nipple Sensitivity: Pregnancy often makes your nipples more sensitive, and breastfeeding can become uncomfortable. Some women choose to switch to pumping or reduce nursing sessions to cope with the discomfort.
Energy Demands: Both breastfeeding and pregnancy require a lot of energy. It’s important to take care of yourself by eating nutritious foods and getting enough rest to support both your current baby and your pregnancy.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider to get personalized advice on how to manage both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Coping with the Emotional Impact
An unexpected pregnancy while breastfeeding can bring a flood of emotions—excitement, fear, confusion, or even stress. Many women are caught off guard, especially if they were relying on breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy. You may feel anxious about how you’ll manage two young children, or how this will affect your future plans.
It’s important to take time to process your feelings and allow yourself to adjust to the idea of another pregnancy. Every woman’s situation is different, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or excited, there’s no right or wrong way to feel in this moment.
What Should You Do Next?
If you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant while breastfeeding, here are some steps to take:
Confirm the Pregnancy: Start by taking a pregnancy test to confirm if you’re pregnant. If you’re unsure, many pregnancy resource centers offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
Talk to Someone: It’s important to share your feelings with someone you trust, whether it’s a partner, friend, or counselor. Pregnancy resource centers can provide confidential support and guidance as you navigate this new chapter.
Explore Your Options: Whether you’re considering parenting, adoption, or abortion, there are resources available to help you make an informed decision. At Pregnancy Resources of Abilene our Client Consultants are here to help you process through your options and connect you with local resources.
Take Care of Yourself: Pregnancy can be exhausting, and even more so when you’re also breastfeeding. Make sure you’re getting enough nutrition, hydration, and rest to support both your pregnancy and your breastfeeding journey.
You Are Not Alone
An unexpected pregnancy while breastfeeding may feel overwhelming at first, but know that you are not alone. Many women find themselves in this exact situation and go on to thrive as they balance motherhood and pregnancy. There are resources, from healthcare providers to classes, that can offer the support you need during this time.
If you’re feeling unsure or anxious, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You don’t have to face this journey by yourself, and there are people ready to walk alongside you as you figure out the best next steps for you and your family.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-get-pregnant-while-breastfeeding
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823189/