Anyone get pregnant while exclusively breastfeeding?

[justplay91]

Our DD is 2.5 months old and exclusively breastfed. We've been using the lactation amenhorrhea method of contraception. From my research, it actually seems like a pretty safe, reliable form of birth control until 6-7 months when baby starts solids. My question is, has anyone here gotten pregnant either on purpose or not when using this method of birth control? We want a third child eventually, but not for a couple more years.

 

[cookette]

Educate me, does this mean youre not using birth control because you are nursing full time and thus your period has not returned?

If so, I know MANY MANY people this has completely failed for.

 

[BethMaassen]

My neighbor, who has quite a bit of babies (7 in total). She is a breastfeeding mom. She got pregnant with baby #6 only 6 weeks after baby #5 was born.

 

[mac1979]

I have 4 friends who have gotten pregnant in that six month period while EBF. All it takes is one time.

 

[jessmke]

My sister got pregnant at 5 months postpartum while exclusively breastfeeding.

 

[justplay91]

Noted, I guess we will start using a different form of protection. So many sites were saying it was a very effective method, but I guess there's a lot of anecdotal evidence to the contrary!

 

[kerrymom]

I did not have a period the entire first year of bfing my first daughter. I got pregnant with my second the first cycle after stating my period. I was not on any other birth control, but I was lucky it seems.

 

[kerrymom]

Maybe you could temp and also chart cervical mucus, just to be sure?

 

[justplay91]

Well, I took four opk's (three different kinds) that I had left over from TTC my daughter and they all came up positive. Guess that puts an end to that! I already have a small age gap (16 months) between my first two and I definitely want AT LEAST 2.5 years between 2 and 3. I think I'll call my doctor on Monday and request the copper coil iud. Thanks ladies!