Getting pregnant while EBF

MommySteph2009

Hi ladies.  Not pregnant, just wondering.

I EBF DS # 2.  Just wondering, since I know it's possible.  I do not get AF yet.  With DS # 1 I did not get AF back until I weaned (lucky me.)

How would I know if I was ovulating if I was not getting AF?  I just would like to avoid getting pregnant if I can.  I do not use BCP or any other form, I prefer to use NFP methods.

I know this may be a no-brainer for some, just hoping someone can clarify it for me.

alibee09

i think you would need to use opks or temping since bf is not birth control.

TheMutleys

I agree with charting or using OPKs.  However, both of those will still give you a possibility of having sex BEFORE knowing that you are in your fertile period. 

My current pregnancy is proof that you can catch the first egg while EBF.  DS1 was around 9 months when my fertility returned and I got pregnant.  Luckily, it was what we were hoping for.  However, there is no way that I would have known that my fertility had returned because I literally started charting 2 weeks before my BFP. 

Celyn

If you know your body well, charting may only be taking cervical data.  Charting temps will only help you if you can get 6 straight hours of sleep.

alibee09

Celyn:

If you know your body well, charting may only be taking cervical data.  Charting temps will only help you if you can get 6 straight hours of sleep.

Oh man, I remember back in like, 2007, when I had that 6 hours of straight sleep  thing... *sob*

MommySteph2009

Celyn:

If you know your body well, charting may only be taking cervical data.  Charting temps will only help you if you can get 6 straight hours of sleep.

So checking the CM is the best way.  Thanks Celyn.  I'll start doing that.

TheMutleys

MommySteph2009:

Celyn:

If you know your body well, charting may only be taking cervical data.  Charting temps will only help you if you can get 6 straight hours of sleep.

So checking the CM is the best way.  Thanks Celyn.  I'll start doing that.

I'm guessing she means CM and your cervix.  

ladipale

I EBF Ellie and my period returned at 12 weeks! Seriously. Sucked.

Anyway, I knew it was coming because I could tell from my CM that I was going to ovulate.

I recommend condoms in the interm

alibee09

MommySteph2009:

Celyn:

If you know your body well, charting may only be taking cervical data.  Charting temps will only help you if you can get 6 straight hours of sleep.

So checking the CM is the best way.  Thanks Celyn.  I'll start doing that.

She didn't say it was the best way, just that it might be good enough. 

green*eyes

There is a chapter on this in Taking Charge of Your Fertility - might get some helpful advice there.

Celyn

many people have a tough time assessing cervical data (low/high, open/closed, soft/firm), but yes, do that as best you can, as well as the mucus.  Personally, my mucus is clockwork perfect, so that's all I need.  Not everyone is so lucky.

MommySteph2009

Celyn:

many people have a tough time assessing cervical data (low/high, open/closed, soft/firm), but yes, do that as best you can, as well as the mucus.  Personally, my mucus is clockwork perfect, so that's all I need.  Not everyone is so lucky.

I only charted with both my pregnancies with CM.  I'll stick to that, I feel pretty confident I know the CM route the best too.