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When you’re breastfeeding, it’s easy to think you’ll “know” if you’re pregnant again. But honestly? Most women don’t. I see this all the time in my work as a lactation consultant. When you’re breastfeeding, your hormones work differently, your periods can be irregular, and the first signs of pregnancy can interfere with a mother’s daily life.
It is important to know that it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, but it can be difficult to know that you are. There are also several symptoms that can indicate pregnancy.
Of course, you may have the first symptoms of pregnancy, but the ones mentioned above are some that are closely related to breastfeeding. Continue reading to learn more about these symptoms.
But First, Meet Katie – The Breastfeeding Assistant Behind Breastfeeding Moms
Hey friend! I’m Katie – International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), mother of four, and creator of The Breastfeeding Mama.
My passion for lactation began when I went through my struggles with breastfeeding – the confusion, the tears, the pain, the midnight breakdowns. I didn’t want a mom to go through what I did, so I started a breastfeeding Facebook group. Fast forward 10 years, and now I’m helping other moms around the world gain confidence in their breastfeeding journey.
Here, you’ll find simple, evidence-based tips for breastfeeding, pumping, and expressing milk. Although I am a breastfeeding consultant, I may not be yours, so remember, all advice here is for educational purposes only. Make sure you think about it booking real advice for 1:1 support or to hold one of the many benefits digital economy.
10 Signs You May Be Pregnant While Breastfeeding
Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the signs that you may be pregnant while breastfeeding.
1. Low milk supply
This is one of the main signs and symptoms that you may be pregnant. Whenever the mother tells me that the food is low, I ask about the pregnancy.
In early pregnancy, the rise in hormones often causes the milk to dissolve. Some women feel the change right away, while others notice the change as early as 8-12 weeks. After pregnancy, your milk turns into colostrum, which is good and safe for your baby to drink – but the amount is very small.
But go ahead:
A sudden decrease in milk supply can also occur for many other reasons (stress, illness, pump issues, breastfeeding, dehydration, hormonal birth control, or no loss at all). So if pregnancy is possible, try to be sure.
2. The child has started to reject the breast
Your child may withdraw, argue, or seem upset. This could be because:
Some kids don’t care at all… some do everything.
3. Changing the Taste of Your Milk
Breast milk can taste salty or “off” a little during pregnancy. If your toddler is talking, you can hear, “Yucky milk!” (Yes, I’ve heard that a few times in conversation!)
4. Sore Breasts
This is another common symptom, especially when it is not noticed after months of pain-free breastfeeding.
Many mothers tell me that nipple pain in early pregnancy is very different from the good feeling of breastfeeding – it is painful, intense, and almost instantaneous. If your breasts suddenly feel like they are burning for no apparent reason, pregnancy may be possible.
5. Hate Nursing
This is something I see more often – especially as the pregnancy progresses. Mom explains:
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feeling anxious or irritable during meals
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feeling “touched” when the baby sucks
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strong desire to stop breastfeeding
Hormonal changes can make nursing difficult emotionally. It is easy to blame yourself if you are experiencing this, but it is important to know that this is normal during pregnancy.
6. Extreme Fatigue
Fatigue can be a normal part of women, but there is a different level of fatigue that you can experience when you are pregnant. and breastfeeding. Your body is growing a baby while it is producing milk. It’s a lot of work, and burnout is common.
7. Pain or Uterine Pain
Breastfeeding naturally releases oxytocin, which can cause uterine contractions. Some women experience diarrhea early on because of this. It’s usually normal, but if you have a high-risk pregnancy, check with your provider to make sure it’s safe to continue breastfeeding. Most women can continue to breastfeed during pregnancy, but there are some situations in which it may be better to stop.
8. Extra Clingy Baby
Children are naturally beautiful. Sometimes your baby or toddler will feel a change before you realize anything. Sudden stability – especially if it sounds “different” – can be another hidden sign.
9. Missing or Irregular Time
If your period returns and suddenly disappears, pregnancy is possible. Even if you haven’t had a period, you can still get pregnant because you ovulate before your first period.
This is why many women get pregnant before their periods return.
10. Positive Pregnancy Tests
Yes, the obvious answer is a good test. False positives are very rare. If you get one, get your OB or midwife to have blood drawn to confirm your HCG levels.
Could You Be Pregnant While Breastfeeding And Not Know It?
I have seen many breastfeeding mothers go weeks – sometimes months – before realizing they are pregnant. Although breastfeeding can be a form of birth control in early pregnancy, it only works when all of the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) criteria are met:
If any of these changes, your chances of getting pregnant go up.
And many women think that they will not ovulate until their first period returns. But again – you ovulate already your first time. This is why breastfeeding is so amazing.
This is why I recommend a tool like TempDrop. It helps you track ovulation and temperature changes so you know when your cycle might return – before it happens. I use this device myself, and you can save 15% (on top of any other sale they have) when you go through this link or use the code AFBREASTEEDINGMAMA.
Ovulation Symptoms While Breastfeeding
Your ovulation symptoms may be difficult to spot when you’re breastfeeding, but possible symptoms include:
Some women experience prolonged periods around ovulation.
When should I take a pregnancy test and breastfeed?
You may want to try if:
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Your appointment is late or missing
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You’ve had unprotected sex and you’re not using another form of birth control
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You see several symptoms from the list above
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You had early signs of ovulation but your period did not start
If your cycle is irregular, pick a day each month to check – or try 14+ days after you think you ovulated.
What Happens If You Are Pregnant While Breastfeeding?
Most women are able to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy. Your body will prioritize the growing baby, so your food intake may decrease, and the taste of your milk will change as the colostrum enters.
Things I see:
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Some babies naturally suck when the food is down
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Some continue happily until the child is born
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Another dry nurse for comfort
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Young children can go back and forth depending on the day
You should not stop breastfeeding unless:
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you are at high risk (especially miscarriage or premature delivery)
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you have strong uterine contractions
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Your therapist recommends (although you can choose what works for your body and family.)
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you yourself want to suck
If You Think You’re Pregnant, Here’s What To Do
1. Call Your Provider
They can confirm that you are pregnant and help you decide what is best for your situation. A blood test will probably be more accurate!
2. Start (or Continue) Prenatal Vitamins
Raising a baby while breastfeeding increases your nutritional needs.
3. Consider Your Feeding Plan
If your baby is under one year old, you may need formula or formula if you run out of food. If your baby is full, you can add whole milk or other solids as needed.
4. Decide If You Want to Continue Breastfeeding
There is no right or wrong choice here. Some mothers breastfeed during pregnancy, some choose to stop, and some try to breastfeed as soon as the baby is born.
5. Get Help
Seeing breastfeeding can make a big difference – especially if you’re worried or unsure about how pregnancy will affect breastfeeding. Click here to book one with my team today!
Being pregnant while breastfeeding can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even overwhelming. But you are not doing this alone. With the right information and the right support, you can make the best decisions for yourself, your current baby, and the one on the way.