Does Breastfeeding affect your fertility?
Breastfeeding and Fertility. It’s one of my favourite topics. I’ve compiled a questions and answers below that may help you with your fertility journey.
Do I need to stop breastfeeding to fall pregnant?
Are you planning a new addition to your family and currently breastfeeding?
Then you might have some questions.
As a naturopath, I support people with conscious conception, including parents with growing families, so breastfeeding during pregnancy has become a common topic in my clinic.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding in our society about fertility and breastfeeding.
To help, I have collated some of the latest data on breastfeeding during conception and pregnancy to answer all those commonly asked questions.
Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Yes!
Perhaps one of the most common misconceptions is the myth that breastfeeding people can’t get pregnant.
They most certainly can. And many do!
Exclusively breastfeeding induces lactational amenorrhea - the absence of menstruation, which occurs for varying lengths of time while breastfeeding. This occurs as a result of high prolactin hormone levels stimulated by regular breastfeeding.
Studies have shown that less than 20 per cent of exclusively breastfeeding mothers ovulate during the first six months. Although the Lactational Amenorrhea Method is endorsed by the World Health Organisation as an ‘accepted and effective’ family planning approach, eventually ovulation returns, as does the ability to conceive.
That is because in a normal menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs before the menstrual bleed. So even if your period hasn’t returned yet, you might have have ovulated without realising, and could have an egg ready and waiting for fertilisation.
If you’re trying for a baby, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of conception while continuing your breastfeeding journey, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
How do I know if I’m ovulating?
Fertility awareness methods such as cervical mucous monitoring, basal body temperature, and charting cycles can help to pinpoint the phases of your menstrual cycle, to either avoid or plan a pregnancy.
But these methods are less effective for predicting the return of ovulation following pregnancy and birth.
Some people experience other physical signs of ovulation such as tender breasts and abdominal or pelvic pains, and may even intuitively ‘feel’ as though they have ovulated.
If you are consciously trying to conceive, you might also choose to undertake daily ovulation testing before the first bleed arrives. The book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler features some helpful guidance on charting ovulation during breastfeeding.
What can I do to support ovulation?
This recommendation is based on findings of the best health outcomes for both mother and baby.
On average, ovulation usually returns within 14 months after birth among women who continue to breastfeed. So if you are planning to wait two years between babies, it’s likely you’ll be ovulating again when you’re ready to try.
But not everyone wants to wait that long. So if you’re trying to get pregnant, but your cycle hasn’t returned, you might like to consider:
Spacing feeds: The Australian Breastfeeding Association states spacing feeds more than four to six hours apart can trigger ovulation, such as when an older baby naturally starts to sleep longer. But it’s important not to intentionally withhold milk if your baby is hungry, or exclusively breastfed.
Pumping or returning to work: Pumping breastmilk doesn’t have the same effect on hormones as breastfeeding does. As a result, ovulation can return sooner in mothers who use a breastpump, and those spending long periods away from baby such as returning to work.
Introducing solids: Ovulation is more likely to resume following the introduction of solids in conjunction with breastfeeding. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first six months before introducing solids. I personally feel that solids are introduced too early, but that's another topic I will go into.
Nutritional and herbal support: To support healthy fertility and promote ovulation, there is a wide range of natural support available. But many herbs and supplements are not suitable in pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should seek professional advice. Book an appointment with me to discuss the options best suited to you.
I’m pregnant again! Do I need to stop breastfeeding?
No.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association encourages breastfeeding to continue throughout pregnancy and beyond, stating there is no evidence to suggest that breastfeeding can be threatening to a pregnancy, provided the mother and developing baby are healthy and progressing well.
The hormonal shifts in pregnancy may however change the taste and texture of your milk, and some toddlers are known to self wean at this time. As the pregnancy progresses, expect your milk to revert back to colostrum to prepare to feed your newborn.
Some mothers may experience nipple pain, nausea or breastfeeding aversions during pregnancy and may decide to wean their older child. This may be a permanent decision, or only temporary until the newborn arrives, at which time both children can tandem feed if the mother desires.
For support with your breastfeeding and fertility journey, book an appointment with Shonelle.