Can I Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

At Complete Healthcare for Women, we aim to provide clear and accurate information to help you make informed decisions about family planning and reproductive health. So, can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? The answer is yes, but with some important nuances to consider.

The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

Breastfeeding can act as a natural contraceptive, a concept known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). When a mother exclusively breastfeeds her baby, meaning the baby receives no other food or drink, and does so on demand both day and night, her body typically suppresses ovulation. This method can be up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy during the first six months postpartum, provided the following criteria are met:

1. Exclusive Breastfeeding: The baby relies solely on breast milk without supplementary feeding.
2. Frequent Nursing: The mother nurses at least every four hours during the day and every six hours at night.
3. Amenorrhea: The mother has not experienced the return of her menstrual periods.

However, once any of these conditions change, the effectiveness of LAM decreases significantly.

Understanding Ovulation and Menstruation Postpartum

Ovulation can resume before the return of your menstrual period, meaning you can be fertile even if you haven't had a period yet. This can be unpredictable and varies greatly from woman to woman. For some, menstruation may return within a few months postpartum, while for others, it may take a year or more.

Since ovulation precedes menstruation, it's possible to become pregnant before your first postpartum period. Therefore, if you’re not planning to conceive again soon, it’s important to consider additional contraceptive methods.

Contraceptive Options While Breastfeeding

There are several safe and effective contraceptive options for breastfeeding mothers. These include:

• Progestin-Only Methods: Progestin-only pills (mini-pills), injections (Depo-Provera), and implants (Nexplanon) are generally considered safe and do not affect milk supply.
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Both hormonal (Mirena, Skyla) and non-hormonal (copper) IUDs are effective long-term options that do not interfere with breastfeeding.
• Barrier Methods: Condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps can be used without any impact on milk production.
• Natural Family Planning: Tracking fertility signs such as basal body temperature and cervical mucus can be effective if done correctly, but it requires diligence and accurate tracking.

Family Planning and Breastfeeding

If you’re considering expanding your family, understanding your fertility while breastfeeding is crucial. Many women choose to space their pregnancies to allow their bodies time to recover and to provide optimal care for each child.

If you wish to conceive, gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions can help signal your body to resume regular ovulation and menstruation. However, each woman’s body responds differently, and fertility can return at varying times.

Conclusion

Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding, and understanding the dynamics of your fertility during this time is essential for effective family planning. At Complete Healthcare for Women, we are here to support you with personalized advice and care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re planning to conceive again soon or looking for effective contraception, our team is ready to help you navigate this phase with confidence and clarity.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology or call us at 509-392-6700.

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology
509-392-6700
Richard Lorenzo, D.O.
Kortney Jones ARNP

Author

Kortney Jones, ARNP Kortney Jones is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She provides OB/GYN services, including birth control, pregnancy and prenatal care, and infertility, as well as gynecological services, such as women’s health and wellness, abnormal uterine bleeding, weight loss, pellet hormone therapy, and menopause.