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Having a new baby often comes with a mixture of excitement, joy, and a whole lot of questions. After the initial whirlwind of sleepless nights and getting the hang of feeding, there may come a time when you start wondering about the natural rhythms of your body again.
The truth is, every woman's experience is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are some telltale signs that your fertility might be making a comeback, even while you're still nursing your little one.
Why does breastfeeding put a pause on fertility?
If you choose to breastfeed, you’ll notice that your periods might not return for a while after birth.
Why? Well, the hormones that encourage steady milk production can also delay the return of regular ovulation. In the early months, this might mean no periods at all.
Over time, though, subtle changes often pop up. Some start feeling those gentle signals that the body is gearing up for a new cycle. These may be physical, like noticing a shift in cervical fluid or feeling mild twinges in the lower belly, or emotional, like sensing a change in mood or energy.
Exclusive breastfeeding — especially frequent, around-the-clock nursing — often postpones fertility for a while, sometimes called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) of birth control. But it’s not a foolproof form of birth control, and fertility can return at any time.
For some, that could be as early as a few months after birth; for others, it might not show up until well into the first year or beyond. None of these timelines are “wrong” or “right.” They’re simply different ways our bodies adjust and recover.
How can I tell if my fertility is starting to return while I’m still breastfeeding?
Your body has its own way of dropping hints that ovulation could be just around the corner. It’s never an exact science, but there are some signs that point to fertility’s gradual comeback:
1. Return of your period: This is often the most obvious sign. You might notice spotting or a full-blown period. Remember, your first period might not be accompanied by ovulation, but it's a clear signal that your body is gearing up.
2. Slippery, stretchy cervical mucus: Pay attention to changes down there. If you notice an increase in clear, stretchy cervical mucus (similar to egg whites), it could mean your body is preparing to ovulate.
3. Breast tenderness: If your breasts suddenly feel more sensitive or sore, it might be a hormonal shift signaling fertility. As OB-GYN Dr. Caledonia Buckheit explains, "Breast tenderness can indicate that first ovulation event because estrogen levels peak ahead of the LH surge that leads to ovulation."
4. Increased sex drive: Feeling a bit more frisky lately? A surge in libido can be a sign that your hormones are shifting back to their pre-pregnancy state.
5. Ovulation pain: Some women experience a twinge or mild cramping on one side of their lower abdomen during ovulation. If you're feeling this, your ovaries might be back in business.
6. Changes in baby's nursing patterns: If your little one suddenly seems less interested in nursing or is sleeping for longer stretches at night, it could impact your hormone levels and jumpstart your fertility.
7. Mood swings: Feeling extra emotional or irritable? It might not just be sleep deprivation. Hormonal fluctuations as your cycle returns can affect your mood.
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8. Acne flare-ups: If you're suddenly breaking out like a teenager, it could be a sign that your hormones are shifting.
9. Changes in basal body temperature (BBT): If you're tracking your temperature, you might notice it rises slightly after ovulation.
10. Increased energy levels: As your hormones start to balance out, you might find yourself with a bit more pep in your step.
Sometimes the biggest factor is simply that breastfeeding sessions start spacing out. When babies sleep longer stretches at night or rely more on solid foods, the body often reduces the hormone levels that keep ovulation away. This shift can open the door to the return of fertility.
Remember, none of these signs alone guarantees that ovulation has occurred, but noticing a few of them together can give a pretty good hint. And if you want something more concrete, over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits can also help pinpoint hormone surges, making it easier to know when ovulation might be coming back.
How do you test for fertility while breastfeeding?
Testing fertility while breastfeeding can be as simple as paying attention to those small body changes, but there are some methods you can use to test for your returning fertility while breastfeeding.
Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are at-home tests that detect the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation. However, they can be less reliable while breastfeeding, as prolactin (the hormone responsible for milk production) can interfere with LH levels.
Progesterone tests are another method — your healthcare provider can perform blood tests to check your progesterone levels, which rise after ovulation.
These tests can give you a clearer picture of your returning fertility if the subtle signs from your body are tricky to decipher.
How do you know if you're pregnant while breastfeeding?
Signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding can feel tricky; everyday life with a newborn or young baby is already full of fatigue and breast tenderness. Still, some key signals can help.
A missed period, or one that’s much lighter than usual, might be worth a second look; or nausea and sudden sensitivity to smells can also hint at pregnancy.
The most reliable way to confirm pregnancy is through a home pregnancy test or a blood test at your doctor's office. Remember, breastfeeding is not a foolproof method of contraception, especially as your fertility returns.
What's the average return of fertility while breastfeeding?
The return of fertility varies from person to person. Some get their periods back as early as 6-8 weeks after birth, while others won’t see the first sign for a year or more.
Many who exclusively breastfeed around the clock find that fertility stays away longer, often for 6 months or beyond. Those who start mixing in formula or introduce solid foods early may find that their cycles return sooner.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the more frequently and consistently breastfeeding occurs, the stronger the natural delay of ovulation tends to be. Dr. Caledonia Buckheit recommends "seeing a doctor if your period hasn't returned by 3 months after cessation of any breastfeeding."
It's important to note that ovulation can occur before your first postpartum period, so you could potentially become pregnant before ever seeing that first period. This is why it's crucial to use contraception if you're not ready for another pregnancy, even if you haven't had a period yet.
Is it harder to get pregnant again while breastfeeding?
It can be more challenging to conceive while breastfeeding, especially in the early months — but not impossible.
Breastfeeding does have a contraceptive effect, but it's not 100% reliable, especially as your baby gets older and nurses less frequently. This is due to high levels of the hormone prolactin, which help produce milk, can keep ovaries from releasing eggs.
Over time, as babies nurse less often or start sleeping longer, hormone levels adjust and ovulation becomes more likely. Plenty of people do become pregnant again while still nursing an older child, though it may require a bit of patience or tracking.
If you're trying to conceive while breastfeeding, it might take a bit more patience and careful tracking of your fertility signs. Some women find that their luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the start of the next period) is shorter while breastfeeding, which can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.
But it can be worth spacing apart your pregnancies, according to OB-GYN Dr. Caledonia Buckheit: "Pregnancy should be avoided for the first 6 months postpartum, due to the associated risks, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. For more people, pregnancies should be spaced 18 months apart — but talk to your healthcare provider about your unique situation to determine your best family-building timeline."
Remember, every woman's body responds differently to breastfeeding and the postpartum period. If you're concerned about your fertility or are having trouble conceiving while breastfeeding, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.
Whether you're hoping to expand your family or looking to prevent pregnancy, understanding these signs can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Trust your instincts, listen to your body, and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns.
Your body’s been through a lot, so it can take some time to get back to ‘normal’ — and your new ‘normal’ might look completely different from what you’ve seen before.
You've got this, mama!
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.
