From the Research
Breastfeeding amenorrhea does not negatively affect future fertility. Once a woman reduces or stops breastfeeding, her menstrual cycles and fertility typically return to their pre-pregnancy state. During exclusive or frequent breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin suppresses ovulation, which causes the temporary absence of menstruation. This natural process, known as lactational amenorrhea, can serve as a temporary form of contraception (LAM - Lactational Amenorrhea Method) but is only reliable when a woman is exclusively breastfeeding, her baby is less than 6 months old, and her menstrual periods have not returned 1.
As breastfeeding frequency decreases, especially when solid foods are introduced or feeding patterns change, hormone levels adjust and fertility returns. Most women will resume ovulation and menstruation within 6-12 months postpartum, though this varies widely. Some women may even ovulate before their first postpartum period, making pregnancy possible before menstruation resumes. The lactational amenorrhea method is at least 98% effective in preventing pregnancy when the criteria are met, as shown in studies 2, 3.
Key points to consider:
- Breastfeeding frequency and pattern affect the duration of lactational amenorrhea and fertility return
- Introduction of solid foods and changes in feeding patterns can lead to the return of menstruation and fertility
- The lactational amenorrhea method is a viable approach to postpartum contraception, with a low risk of pregnancy during the first 6 months 4
- Fertility naturally returns when breastfeeding decreases, and medical intervention is not typically needed to conceive after breastfeeding.
It's essential to note that while breastfeeding amenorrhea is a natural and temporary condition, it's crucial to consider individual variations in breastfeeding patterns, infant feeding practices, and menstrual status when assessing fertility return and contraception needs 5.