Breastfeeding and Conception

So true, BUT fertility can be complicated subject. Add breastfeeding to the mix and it can become even more complicated.

• You are breastfeeding exclusively on demand (no supplements and no gap of over 4 hours in between feedings even at night)
• your baby is UNDER six months old
• your period have not returned: this includes spotting

Rarely do I have a client that meets all these requirements.If you do not meet ALL the above requrements, consider yourself fertile. Even if you only have a period every 60 days, even if your baby sleeps 4.5 hours at night, you are fertile. And if you do not wish to become pregnant, consider an alternate form of birth control.
My recommendation is the use of non-hormone methods such as condoms, sponges, IUD or a diaphram. This is because hormone type birth control (pills, yes even a mini pill) can reduce or dry up your milk supply. Talk this over with your primary care doctor. And I NEVER recommend the emergency "plan B" type birth control pills while breastfeeding, they can immediately dry up your supply

On the other hand, if you DO wish to conceive while breastfeeding, you are more likely to become fertile by reducing the amount of breastfeeding sessions. This can be as simple as cutting out one night time feed for some. It may take more of a reduction for other women. Every woman is different. The return of your period/menses is a good indicator that your body is returning to a fertility cycle. All in all pregnancy while breastfeeding is in fact possible.

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