I feel you mama. When you have a nursing baby and didn’t have your period back it is hard to know if you are pregnant again. As the common pregnancy signs are easy to miss. Although the chances of getting pregnant while exclusively breastfeeding are lower. Your body might tell you differently. Are you pregnant again?
Read on to find out:
- Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding if your period hasn’t returned?
- What are the early signs of pregnancy
- Pregnancy signs for breastfeeding mums
Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding if your period hasn’t returned?
Yes mama, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding. Although the changes are lower. Especially when you are breastfeeding exclusively. Your baby is under 6 months. And you haven’t had your period back yet. So exclusive breastfeeding is an option for birth control before the 6th-month mark, according to La Leche League. However, there are still changes you might be carrying a little brother or sister. Congratulations!
What are the early signs of pregnancy?
When nursing your baby it is easy to blame some of the pregnancy signs on nursing. Or you might think some of the signs tell you another period is on the way. However, there are pregnancy signs especially related to breastfeeding mums. The signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding are mostly similar to standard pregnancy signs like
Fatigue
Making a baby is hard work! Especially while feeding another infant. You are a superwoman, like always. But these miracles can make you feel very tired too. While the fatigue normally kicks in at the end of the first trimester, when breastfeeding you might experience it sooner.
Extremely thirsty
Although breastfeeding makes you thirsty. When combining breastfeeding with pregnancy your body needs even more liquids. So you might feel even more thirsty than usual.
Hunger
Are you hungry all the time? I feel you mama! This could clearly indicate that you are eating for three now!
Cramping
Another early pregnancy sign is cramping. Which could also be related to your period getting back. However, when the period stays out it might be that you are pregnant again.
Morning sickness or nausea
Last but not least, morning sickness is a common sign you might be pregnant. Although you might not feel like it, try to keep your nutrient intake high. As you are now eating for two babies
Implantation Bleeding or Spotting
Did you loose a bit of blood but no signs of a period? This may be implantation bleeding, or spotting. One of the early pregnancy signs. As this is the blood that escapes while the egg is implanting in the uterus.
Frequent Urination
Are you running to the toilet more than usual? Another indicator you might be pregnant! Because your little one might be pressing against your uterus.
Pregnancy signs for breastfeeding mums
Besides the general early breastfeeding signs, breastfeeding mums have an extra indicator of pregnancy. Namely the milk supply. When you notice your baby demands more milk. And you feel super thirsty and/or hungry, it might be a pregnancy sign. However, these are also signs of cluster-feeding.
Decrease in milk supply
Due to the hormonal changes in your milk supply decreases. So when your infant starts to nurse more or less this can be due to the decrease of milk. When your baby is under 1-year-old milk should still be the number one nutrient resource. Don’t worry mama! You can boost your breastmilk with your diet. As long as your little one is gaining weight. While nursing at least 3 to 4 times a day everything goes great. When you have a little toddler you can simply give more solid foods.
Some of the infants don’t like the change of taste of your breastmilk. This could be a reason that they nurse less. However, this is not applicable to all nursing babies. Some love the new taste. And others don’t notice the difference. Stay connected with your baby. You know your baby best!
Summary
The pregnancy signs for breastfeeding mums are very much similar to general pregnancy signs. Are you super thirst, hungry and it seems like your milk is decreasing? It might indicate that your pregnant again mama! Congratulations!