Giving birth to a child is such an overwhelming journey that comprises joyful and frustrating moments. Even if you want more children, you will probably want to give some space so you can give your baby the much-needed attention he deserves. Now imagine finding out you are pregnant while actively breastfeeding your baby?

You may be wondering if there are actually chances of getting pregnant while still breastfeeding. The answer is a big YES. It is true that exclusive breastfeeding can be a source of temporal birth control, but it can only be effective if you go about it the right way. This entails practicing exclusive breastfeeding and nursing on demand including midnight during the first six months.

The reason exclusive breastfeeding is considered a temporal method of family planning has to do with the fact that while breastfeeding, your body releases a hormone known as oxytocin, which has been known to be effective in preventing ovulation. Of course, it’s impossible to get pregnant when you are not ovulating.

Exclusive breastfeeding could only prevent pregnancy if your period hasn’t returned. Besides, your baby has to be under six months, giving that after that you will have to start introducing them to solids, thereby disrupting the exclusive breastfeeding pattern.

However, the absence of your menstrual flow is no guarantee that you can’t become pregnant. Remember ovulation comes before menstruation and you could be ovulating at any time and having unprotected while ovulating can likely result in pregnancy.

That said, if you plan to give some time before getting pregnant, your best bet is to go on pills or any prescription birth control method. You can always consult with your gynaecologist to help you choose the best option that works for your system and personality.

Of course, it’s also ok for you to deliberately get pregnant while breastfeeding as long as you are healthy enough for the journey. Getting pregnant shouldn’t stop you from breastfeeding although it might come with some discomforts. For example, you can easily experience cramping while breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin. This can be completely normal even though it can cause preterm labor in rare cases. Do check with your gynaecologist as soon as you find out you’re pregnant and intend to continue breastfeeding.

Indeed, it’s possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding and it doesn’t matter if it’s a planned pregnancy or not.

• 52
• 0