It is very common for a woman who has just given birth to become pregnant or for a breastfeeding mother to become pregnant. This is because there is a strong possibility of becoming pregnant while breastfeeding. But if you become pregnant while breastfeeding, should you continue breastfeeding?
Becoming Pregnant While Breastfeeding
Although it is partly true that breastfeeding delays the return of your fertility – colloquially referred to as “milk protection” – the possibility of getting pregnant while breastfeeding should not be completely ruled out. If you are trying to get pregnant, it is advisable to consult your doctor about whether you should wean your baby.
When your period gradually becomes regular, it is likely that your ovulation has started again; however, if your period is short or irregular, your ovulation may not have started yet. You can research your calendar, such as a family planning chart, and tools to help you calculate your ovulation period while breastfeeding, and seek support from your health care provider.
Should I Continue Breastfeeding My Baby?
If you become pregnant while breastfeeding, you and your doctor should decide whether you can continue breastfeeding your baby. It is important that your pregnancy is under the supervision of a doctor as your hormones will change during breastfeeding while you are pregnant. The taste of your milk may also change due to these hormone changes. In some cases ,breastfeeding while pregnant can also be terminated by the breastfeeding baby.
Having to Breastfeed Two Babies!
Sometimes, after the birth of the second baby, the newborn and the previous baby can continue breastfeeding together. This is also known as double breastfeeding or tandem breastfeeding . In this case, it is advisable for the mother to rest and sometimes take short vacations. During these rest periods, you can express your milk with a breast pump. You can bring the expressed breast milk to your babies by putting it in milk storage bags or preserving it in breast milk storage bottles. You can check our breast pump selection page to choose the right breast pump.
If you do not want to get pregnant while breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about which contraceptive methods to use.
If you wish, you can also review our other article on the subject beforehand. See Postpartum Birth Control and Sexuality