Trying to get pregnant again,should we wean?

QUESTION: My husband and I are trying to get pregnant for the second time. Our first son is 11 months old and is still breastfeeding. I give him a bottle every now and then, but he rarely accepts it. I am worried that breastfeeding might make it more difficult to have another baby and I am unsure of the dietary requirements. Also, is it necessary to replace breastfeeding with a bottle or will regular food do? How can I get him to take a bottle readily? I enjoy breastfeeding very much, but I would like to have a little more personal freedom.

Congratulations for doing so very well nursing your son. I am glad you enjoy it so much. You have not told me your age but you are correct that breastfeeding can make it harder to conceive. Do you have regular periods? One of the best ways to become fertile is not to nurse at night. Offering more foods and using the bottle some will also help. Once you are pregnant, the nutritional requirements for nursing while pregnant are just to be sure that you get all the food you need and that you eat a good balanced diet. If you have trouble with miscarriages then it is best to wean before you get pregnant but most women can nurse during pregnancy with no problems. Many babies will wean naturally when your milk decreases during the middle months of pregnancy.

You do not have to use a bottle with your son at this point. If he does not need the sucking and is happy just using a cup, that is fine. If you wean from the breast, he may still want to suck on a pacifier or the bottle but it is best not to give them at night!

Please write back with any further questions. Good luck with getting pregnant. Most women are fertile after they start having periods.

Elaine Matheny, BS, IBCLC, LLL Leader

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