BF'ing and TTC - any tricks?

[dory]

Hiya - I am currently BF'ing as required ( on demand just sounds unpleasant) for my 6 month old. I know that lactation affects the hormones that cause ovulation, and it seems to be the case for me.

Just wondering if anyone has any tricks for how to still BF but do things that will promote ovulation - maybe TCM, accupuncture? Just hoping for some ideas. I am super keen to TTC again, but I don't want to put our BF relationship at risk either, and that is the relationship that will come first until self weaning....


Thanks for reading and replying.

[Heaven]

Do you have AF back dory?? I'm not sure there's anything you can do if you don't other than cutting down feeds which it sounds like you don't want to do. I fed DD1 on demand too and didn't get AF back until she was 14 months I think. But then I got pregnant first cycle after that

Acupuncture could help, it helped me get pregnant with DD1! Good luck!!

[OceanPrincess]

Acupuncture helped me get my cycle back. Well what I should say - I had one period, one session of acupuncture, no period when it was due, another session, a period, a session, pregnant. So I think the acupuncture helped regulate it - I think I'd already started having periods...

[dory]

thanks for the replies and so quickly I think I will try accup****ure.... no cycle yet.. keep hoping to catch that egg before I get AF... wishful thinking.

[MrsBexie]

umm.. why did it edit acupuncture? LOL I think your letters got mixed around!

[OceanPrincess]

I know what you mean dory! I haven't had af yet this time... And I half keep hoping I've just gotten lucky... but then I smack myself upside the head and go "don't be ridiculous, you've got enough on your plate as it is!"

Cluck cluck cluck...




Cluck cluck...







Cluck...

[OceanPrincess]

umm.. why did it edit acupuncture? LOL I think your letters got mixed around!

[dory]

Must have ... hehe....

[onthefly]

Have you looked into billings? it can help you identify the return of your fertility. I've read that the earlier it is, the more likely it is you'll have a 'warning' af before you resume ovulating. Usually mums need to cut back a fair bit to get af back... though of course it varies a great deal.

[Catherine]

Australian Breastfeeding Association - Breastfeeding Through Pregnancy and Beyond

we had a talk at our ABA meeting on this last week! Breastfeeding, fertility and pregnancy.

Generally speaking after 6 mths, breastfeeding becomes less affective as a contraception. If AF hasn't returned, I guess you can just moniter your CM. Kelly wrote an article on this: Cervical Mucus, Ovulation and Your Fertile Period.

[jessicakate]

Hey Dory,
I was like you, and in fact am still breastfeeding DD at nearly 3. My AF didn't come back til around 16 months after I had her, but then once it was back I fell pg straight away, and was able to keep bfing throughout the pregnancy. In fact taking maxalon for really bad nausea and vomiting actually helped increase my supply whilst I was taking it. In saying that a girl in my mother's group got her AF after a month and she was bfing. so when it's ready your body will let you fall pg again. Until then I guess just enjoy the feeding with your beautiful little girl... but I know what you mean when you say you are ready now. Sometimes I think it's natures way of letting our bodies recuperate etc after the demands of pg.
Good Luck.

[kelsbels]

Yeah I was going to suggest vitex also, worked brilliantly to start my cycle back up after 11 years on the pill and 8 months of no AF. It's safe to take while feeding but I suggest you see a naturopath to have it prescribed in the correct dosage and at the right times. Good luck!!