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Understanding Breastfeeding and Fertility
Breastfeeding naturally delays the return of your fertility. The reason is the increase in a hormone called prolactin, which helps with milk production. However, prolactin also prevents ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). You cannot conceive a baby without ovulation.However, these effects are just temporary and change with the feeding habits of your baby. Your hormones may continue to adjust until they restore their normal balance, allowing fertility to return.
What Is Weaning?
Weaning is when you completely stop breastfeeding your baby, either gradually or suddenly. Your body starts producing prolactin within normal ranges after weaning. As a result, oestrogen and progesterone start rising again.Your body restores ovulation when this shift happens. This is the reason many women notice their periods return shortly after weaning.
Weaning is often seen as a way to restore your fertility, which can be helpful if you are planning to have another baby. Although your cycles may take longer to become regular, the chances of ovulation increase after you wean.
What Is Partial Breastfeeding?
When your baby starts to get nutrients from other sources, such as formula, animal milk, or solid foods, along with breast milk, it is called partial breastfeeding. This reduces the frequency and intensity of breastfeeding, which lowers your prolactin levels. The levels may remain higher than when you completely wean.Your body may gradually resume ovulation with partial breastfeeding, but this is often unpredictable. Some women get their periods back within a few months of mixed feeding, while others may take longer.
You may be fertile even before your first period returns, because ovulation comes before menstruation. So, you could conceive, even during partial breastfeeding. Sometimes, without realising that your fertility has returned.
Weaning vs. Partial Breastfeeding: Key Differences in Fertility Impact
The following comparison between weaning and partial breastfeeding will help you better understand them.| Factor | Weaning | Partial Breastfeeding |
| Prolactin Levels | Significant drop | Slightly low, but still present |
| Return of Periods | Sooner (within 1–3 months) | Gradual and less predictable |
| Ovulation | Resumes more quickly | May resume slowly and irregularly |
| Chances of Pregnancy | Higher in the case of unprotected intercourse | Still possible, even without periods |
| Hormonal Stability | Balances out soone | May take longer due to ongoing feeding |
Both breastfeeding methods offer some natural protection in the early months, so you may be able to delay pregnancy. However, weaning typically brings fertility back faster if you aim to conceive again.
How Soon Can You Conceive After Weaning or Partial Breastfeeding?
The following aspects of ovulation will give you a general idea of your chances of conceiving, as everybody is different.- Your ovulation may return within a few weeks to a couple of months after complete weaning.
- Ovulation may return at any time once you reduce breastfeeding frequency, even before you notice your period.
On the other hand, please do not wait for your period to start if you are not trying to conceive. Since ovulation may happen before the first postpartum period, there is a high chance of pregnancy during this time.
Will Your Periods Be Normal After They Return?
Whether after weaning or partial breastfeeding, the first few periods might feel different:- They might be lighter or heavier than what you were used to before pregnancy.
- Your cycle might be longer or shorter in the beginning.
- It may take a few months for your periods to become regular.
Should You Use Birth Control While Breastfeeding or After Weaning?
It is best to use birth control if you want to avoid conceiving again.- While breastfeeding, you can use non-hormonal methods like condoms or copper IUDs. If you prefer hormonal birth control, progestin-only pills are usually recommended.
- After weaning: You can switch to other hormonal options, such as combined pills, injections, or implants, once your doctor approves.
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FAQs on Should I Stop Breastfeeding to Get Pregnant Faster?
- How long after weaning will my periods return?
It takes 1 to 3 months for your period to return after complete weaning. However, the exact timeline usually differed for each woman based on their health and body. - Is it necessary to use contraception if I am still breastfeeding?
Yes, birth control is necessary if you are avoiding pregnancy and are not exclusively breastfeeding. Breastfeeding may not completely prevent ovulation, so you might conceive if you are sexually active.