Baby Parenting Guide

How likely is it for me to get pregnant while breast feeding?

Hello, I just had a baby a little over 8 weeks ago and I am exclusively breast feeding him. I did however start my period almost 2 weeks ago and my husband and I have not been very careful when we have sex. Since I have started my period, is it more likely that I can get pregnant while I'm still breast feeding? Thanks, Millie

Public Response to How likely is it for me to get pregnant while breast feeding?

1. Old wives tale says no way Population stats say way...big way.
2. any thing can happen just becareful
3. It can be a form of birth control but ONLY for the 1st six months and ONLY if you practice unrestricted breastfeeding, including at night. Research has shown a mother can rely on breastfeding for protection from pregnancy IF she can answer NO to the following three questions. -Has your menses returned? -Are you supplementing regularly OR allowing long periods without breastfeeding, either during the day (more than 3 hours) or at night (more than six hours) -Is your baby more than six months old? Mothers who follow these guidlines have a less than 2% chance of becoming pregnant in the first six months after birth. It sounds like you couldn't answer NO to the question has your menses returned, and if your period has started, then you are probably allowing more than 6 hours go by at night without breastfeeding, so this is probably not a reliable method of contraception for you!! Congrats and good luck!!
4. Anything can happen. Play it safe.
5. Likely enough that you shouldn't count on it acting as a contraceptive