Is it safe to use breastfeeding as a long-term birth control method?

Breastfeeding may work as a temporary birth control method (LAM) for up to 6 months. This is possible only in the case of exclusive breastfeeding, and your periods have not returned. It is best to look for other methods of contraception if you are avoiding pregnancy.

How can I know if I’ve started ovulating again while breastfeeding?

You may observe changes like slippery cervical mucus, mild cramps, or a slight rise in body temperature. However, these signs are so subtle that not everyone notices them. Use a fertility tracking app or an ovulation test if you are unsure about your ovulation.

What should I do if I haven’t had my period for more than a year postpartum?

Not getting your period while you are exclusively breastfeeding is completely normal, even if it has been a year. The concerning issue is when your period does not return for more than three months after you stopped breastfeeding.

How Breastfeeding Affects Your Ovulation and Periods After Delivery

Your body begins to heal and recover from pregnancy after childbirth. One of the first things you may wonder about is when your periods will return. The timing of its return may be different for you if you are breastfeeding, as compared to someone who is not.

What Happens to Your Periods After Delivery?

Your body begins the healing process once you deliver your baby. You may experience postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, which is often mistaken for your period. It is your body’s way of clearing out the lining of your uterus after childbirth.

Your period timeline depends on how long you choose to breastfeed. It is normal for it to return within 6 to 10 weeks if you have stopped breastfeeding after childbirth.

How Breastfeeding Delays Your Period

Breastfeeding supports the release of a hormone called prolactin, which is essential for milk production. However, high prolactin levels also suppress the reproductive hormones necessary for ovulation.

Your body doesn’t release an egg, which means you do not ovulate when prolactin levels are high. You do not get a period when ovulation is absent. This natural pause in your cycle is known as lactational amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual cycle due to breastfeeding).

Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) as Natural Birth Control

Breastfeeding is considered a natural form of birth control, but only under certain conditions.

Your baby is below 6 months old.
You are exclusively breastfeeding (no top feed or solids).
Your periods have not returned yet.

Your chances of conceiving reduce if all three conditions match your situation.

However, you cannot rely on this method of birth control if you start giving your baby formula or your periods return.
Remember that your period doesn't need to return for ovulation to happen. So, it is always good to consider other birth control methods to avoid pregnancy.

When Will Your Periods Return After Breastfeeding?

There is no direct answer, as it differs for each woman. You can consider the following feeding pattern to get a general idea of what to expect.

Exclusive breastfeeding (day and night): Your period may take up to a year, or even later, to return.
Mixed feeding (formula + breastfeeding): Your period may take up to 3 months to return.
Stop breastfeeding completely: Your period may return within a month post delivery.

You do not have to worry about your cycle being irregular at first, as it takes time for your body to restore its natural rhythm.

What If Your Periods Are Irregular After They Return?

Your periods may take time to become regular after childbirth once they return. Your body takes time to adjust its hormone levels, and this process may take longer if you are still breastfeeding. Therefore, it is normal to have irregular cycles. Some cycles may be longer or shorter, heavier or lighter.
Your hormones will stabilise gradually, and your periods may become more predictable. However, consult your doctor if you do not get your period for more than 3 months after weaning, or in case of heavy bleeding and severe pain.

Can You Ovulate Without Getting a Period First?

You may not be worried about reconceiving because your periods have not returned yet. However, that is the biggest misconception, as you can ovulate before your period.

You may even conceive before noticing any signs of menstruation. So, do not dismiss your chances of pregnancy if you are not using contraception and are sexually active.

Signs That Ovulation Might Be Returning

Now that it is clear that you cannot always rely on your period for ovulation, the following signs will be of more help.

Cervical mucus changes (becomes clear and stretchy, like egg white).
Mild pelvic cramps or pain.
Slight rise in body temperature.
Increased sex drive.

Although these signs are not noticeable, paying close attention to them can help you understand your ovulation pattern better.

Breastfeeding and Fertility – What to Keep in Mind

There may be a high chance of a delayed period due to breastfeeding, but it is still not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy. Discuss other suitable birth control options with your doctor if you aim to prevent pregnancy.
Also, you may want to reduce breastfeeding to restore your ovulation if you want to conceive again.

Key Takeaways

Breastfeeding delays your periods by increasing prolactin, which suppresses ovulation.
You may not get your period for several months if you exclusively breastfeed.
You can still ovulate and conceive without getting your period.
It may take a few cycles for your period to become regular.
The Lactational Amenorrhoea Method may avoid pregnancy in some women, but only under certain conditions.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on How Breastfeeding Affects Ovulation and Periods

Is it safe to use breastfeeding as a long-term birth control method?
Breastfeeding may work as a temporary birth control method (LAM) for up to 6 months. This is possible only in the case of exclusive breastfeeding, and your periods have not returned. It is best to look for other methods of contraception if you are avoiding pregnancy.
How can I know if I’ve started ovulating again while breastfeeding?
You may observe changes like slippery cervical mucus, mild cramps, or a slight rise in body temperature. However, these signs are so subtle that not everyone notices them. Use a fertility tracking app or an ovulation test if you are unsure about your ovulation.
What should I do if I haven’t had my period for more than a year postpartum?
Not getting your period while you are exclusively breastfeeding is completely normal, even if it has been a year. The concerning issue is when your period does not return for more than three months after you stopped breastfeeding.