For many new mothers, the question of whether or not they can get pregnant while breastfeeding is a top concern. Some women may be thrilled at the thought of spacing out their pregnancies, while others may want to avoid becoming pregnant again too soon.

Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and fertility can help new mothers make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

What is lactational amenorrhea?

Lactational amenorrhea is a natural form of birth control that occurs during exclusive breastfeeding. When babies feed exclusively on breastmilk, they stimulate the mother’s body to produce prolactin, a hormone that suppresses ovulation.

Essentially, the body is trying to ensure that the mother’s current child has exclusive access to her nutrients before allowing any new ones in.

While breastfeeding, many women will not experience a menstrual period, and consequently, ovulation does not occur. This can last anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on how frequently and intensely the baby is breastfeeding.

How effective is lactational amenorrhea?

Lactational amenorrhea can be an effective form of birth control, but it is not foolproof. It is important to remember that ovulation can still occur while breastfeeding, even if menstrual periods have not yet returned.

Additionally, factors such as the frequency and duration of breastfeeding, the baby’s age, and the mother’s individual hormonal balance can all affect the effectiveness of lactational amenorrhea.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines exclusive breastfeeding as frequent nursing on demand, day and night, without the use of pacifiers, bottles or formula.

The WHO states that when done correctly, exclusive breastfeeding can be 98% effective in preventing pregnancy for the first six months after delivery.

However, the WHO also acknowledges that many women do not follow exclusive breastfeeding guidelines strictly enough to achieve that level of effectiveness.

For example, once babies start sleeping through the night, they may breastfeed less frequently, reducing the effectiveness of lactational amenorrhea. Introducing solid foods too soon can also have an impact on the frequency and intensity of breastfeeding, which in turn can affect ovulation.

When can ovulation resume?

While breastfeeding can delay the return of ovulation, it is not a guarantee. It is possible to ovulate and become pregnant while breastfeeding, even if menstrual periods have not yet resumed.

In fact, some women may ovulate as soon as three weeks after giving birth, despite exclusively breastfeeding.

If a woman is breastfeeding and does not want to become pregnant again right away, it is important to use another form of birth control until her menstrual periods resume.

Condoms, diaphragms, and other barrier methods are safe to use while breastfeeding, as they do not contain hormones that could interfere with lactation.

What if you want to become pregnant while breastfeeding?

For some women, breastfeeding may not be enough to delay ovulation or prevent pregnancy.

If a woman is breastfeeding and wants to become pregnant again, it is important to gradually reduce the frequency and intensity of breastfeeding to encourage ovulation to resume. This can be done through a process called “partial weaning,” in which the baby is gradually introduced to solid foods and fewer breastfeeds.

However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before making any changes to breastfeeding routines.

It is also important to ensure that the new baby is getting enough breastmilk while attempting to conceive again.

Breastmilk provides vital nutrients and immune defense, so it is important to ensure that the baby is still breastfeeding adequately while working towards conceiving again. Some women may choose to supplement with formula or donor milk to ensure that their baby is getting enough nutrition while transitioning to solid foods and breastfeeding less frequently.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding and fertility are closely linked, but the relationship is not always straightforward.

While breastfeeding can delay ovulation and act as a natural form of birth control, it is not 100% effective, and women can still become pregnant while breastfeeding. If a woman is breastfeeding and does not want to become pregnant again right away, it is important to use additional forms of birth control and talk to her healthcare provider about her options.

If a woman is breastfeeding and wants to conceive again, it is possible, but it may require adjusting breastfeeding routines and ensuring that the baby is still getting enough breastmilk.