can you get pregnant while nursing?

The short answer to this question is: Yes. Interestingly, however, breastfeeding prevents more pregnancies than all other birth control methods, combined. In fact, exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no supplements, no pacifiers, no solid foods, no water or juice) is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy for the first six months after baby is born. That's as effective as the birth control pill.

In addition to only breastfeeding and the baby being under six months old, not having a period is another indicator of fertility. It can take a few months for the menses cycle to come back. It is possible, though rare, to get pregnant before your cycle returns. Keep this in mind if you are not using any form of birth control. Some women will have periods that are anovulatory, meaning they aren't ovulating or aren't fertile even though they have bleeding. If preventing a pregnancy is important to you, you will want to use a non hormonal birth control method postpartum for the early months.

If one of those three things change - your baby is six months or older, you are no longer exclusively breastfeeding, your cycle starts - then it may be time to start your preferred method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. This method is known as the LAM - Lactational Amenorrhea Method of birth control. For more information, one book I recommend is Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing.

So yes, you can get pregnant while nursing, but it's highly unlikely if your baby is exclusively breastfed and under 6 months of age. Ask your Doctor or La Leche League leader about birth control methods compatible with breastfeeding.