7 Signs of Returning Fertility While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it also has a significant impact on your body—especially on your fertility.

For women who are breastfeeding, understanding how fertility changes during this phase is essential, whether you’re planning to expand your family or prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

The relationship between breastfeeding and fertility is complex, largely controlled by hormones that influence ovulation. As your baby grows and feeding patterns change, so does your body, which may offer clear signals that your fertility is returning.

Let’s explore the science behind this process and the signs to watch for.

What Happens to Your Fertility While Breastfeeding?

The Role of Prolactin in Suppressing Ovulation

Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, plays a significant role in delaying the return of fertility after childbirth. High levels of prolactin suppress the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn prevents ovulation. This is why breastfeeding can act as a natural form of birth control, often referred to as lactational amenorrhea.

However, this effect isn’t foolproof.

The suppression of ovulation depends on factors like how often you breastfeed, whether you’re nursing at night, and your body’s unique hormonal response.

When to Expect Fertility to Return

The timing of fertility’s return varies greatly from person to person.

Women who exclusively breastfeed and nurse frequently, especially at night, may not ovulate for six months or more. On the other hand, those who introduce formula or start solids early may see ovulation return within a few months postpartum.

Key factors influencing the timing include:

• Feeding Frequency: Fewer nursing sessions reduce prolactin levels.
• Night Feeds: Prolactin levels are higher at night, so reducing night feeds can speed up fertility’s return.
• Baby’s Age: As babies grow and require less frequent breastfeeding, hormonal suppression weakens.

7 Signs of Returning Fertility While Breastfeeding

As your body transitions back to its fertile state, you may notice subtle (and not-so-subtle) changes. Here are seven clear signs that ovulation and fertility are on their way back:

1. Changes in Cervical Mucus

One of the earliest and most reliable indicators of returning fertility is a change in cervical mucus. Fertile cervical mucus is:

• Clear, stretchy, and resembles raw egg whites.
• Present in higher quantities as ovulation approaches.

Tracking cervical mucus can help you predict ovulation, whether you’re trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding and notice this change, it’s a strong sign that ovulation is returning.

2. Spotting or Light Bleeding

Spotting or light bleeding can occur as your hormones fluctuate and your body prepares for its first ovulation. Unlike a true period, spotting is typically lighter and shorter.

This can be confusing for some women, as it may happen without ovulation. However, if combined with other signs, it could indicate your fertility is gearing up to return.

3. Cramps Without a Period

Ovulation pain, or mittelschmerz, is another common sign of returning fertility. This discomfort is typically felt on one side of the lower abdomen and may last a few hours to a couple of days.

Cramps without a period can be your body’s way of signaling that ovulation is happening or about to happen. If you experience this, pay attention to other signs like cervical mucus changes or spotting.

4. Decreased Milk Supply

As your hormones shift back to their pre-pregnancy state, some women notice a temporary decrease in milk supply. This happens because the hormone estrogen rises as ovulation approaches, which can interfere with prolactin and milk production.

While this dip is often temporary, it can be frustrating for nursing moms. If you’re experiencing this, it’s a good idea to monitor your baby’s feeding patterns and weight gain to ensure they’re still getting enough milk.

5. Increased Libido

A noticeable increase in libido can be a clear sign that your body is preparing for ovulation. Hormonal changes—specifically, the surge in estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH)—are often responsible for this.

If you suddenly feel a stronger interest in intimacy, it might not just be a coincidence. Your body could be signaling that it’s becoming fertile again and getting ready to make more babies (careful, now!).

6. Return of PMS Symptoms

If you start to feel moody, bloated, or notice tender breasts, these classic PMS symptoms might be signaling the return of your menstrual cycle.

PMS symptoms occur as your hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. For breastfeeding moms, this can be an early indicator that ovulation is occurring or that a period is on its way.

7. Irregular Periods

When your periods return, they may not be regular right away. Breastfeeding mothers often experience irregular cycles as their bodies adjust to fluctuating hormone levels.

These irregularities are normal and typically stabilize over time. However, even if your periods are inconsistent, ovulation can still occur, meaning it’s possible to get pregnant.

How to Track Fertility While Breastfeeding

Tracking fertility while breastfeeding can feel challenging, but it’s entirely possible with the right tools and knowledge. Monitoring your body’s signs of ovulation can help you understand your fertility patterns and plan accordingly, whether you want to conceive or avoid pregnancy.

Charting Your Cycle

Charting your cycle is one of the most effective ways to track fertility while breastfeeding. Here’s how you can get started:

• Cervical Mucus: Observe changes in cervical mucus daily. Fertile mucus is typically clear, stretchy, and resembles raw egg whites. Tracking these changes can help you identify ovulation.
• Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed using a BBT thermometer. A sustained rise in temperature often indicates ovulation has occurred.
• Ovulation Signs: Record any ovulation-related symptoms, such as mild pelvic pain (mittelschmerz), spotting, or increased libido.

By maintaining a detailed chart of these observations, you’ll be able to identify patterns and better predict your fertile windows.

Using Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)

Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) provide a structured approach to tracking fertility postpartum. Popular FAM techniques include:

• Sympto-Thermal Method: Combines tracking cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and physical signs like ovulation pain for a comprehensive fertility picture.
• Mucus-Only Method: Focuses exclusively on observing cervical mucus to determine fertile and non-fertile days.

Both methods require consistency and commitment to daily tracking, but they can be highly effective when practiced correctly. If you’re new to FAM, consider working with a certified fertility awareness instructor for guidance.

When to Consult a Professional

If tracking fertility feels overwhelming or you’re not seeing clear signs, it might be time to consult a healthcare provider or fertility awareness instructor. A professional can:

• Help you interpret your fertility signs and patterns.
• Provide tools or resources to make tracking easier.
• Address concerns like irregular cycles or difficulty identifying ovulation.

Seeking expert guidance ensures you’re well-informed and confident in your fertility tracking efforts.

Can You Get Pregnant Before Your Period Returns?

One of the most common misconceptions about breastfeeding is that you can’t get pregnant until your period returns. However, this isn’t entirely true.

Ovulation occurs before your first postpartum period. This means you can be fertile and conceive even if you haven’t experienced a period since giving birth. Because there’s no surefire way to know exactly when ovulation will happen, it’s important to use reliable contraception if you’re not planning another pregnancy.

Key considerations include:

• Irregular Signs: Early ovulation signs, like changes in cervical mucus, can be subtle and easy to miss.
• Unpredictable Timing: Factors like feeding frequency and hormonal shifts can make ovulation timing highly variable.

If avoiding pregnancy is a priority, consider using barrier methods, hormonal contraception compatible with breastfeeding, or Fertility Awareness Methods (with proper instruction).

How to Increase Fertility While Breastfeeding

For women eager to conceive while breastfeeding, there are practical steps you can take to enhance fertility without compromising your nursing relationship.

Although breastfeeding naturally suppresses ovulation, making small adjustments to your routine and focusing on overall health can boost your chances of getting pregnant.

Adjust Your Breastfeeding Routine

Your nursing patterns significantly influence hormone levels that affect fertility. Consider these adjustments:

• Reduce Night Feeds: Prolactin levels, which suppress ovulation, are highest during nighttime feeds. Gradually reducing or eliminating night feeds can signal your body to resume ovulation.
• Introduce Solid Foods: Once your baby is ready for solids (typically around six months), incorporating them into their diet can reduce breastfeeding frequency, which may encourage the return of ovulation.
• Time Feedings Strategically: Aim for longer intervals between breastfeeding sessions to lower prolactin levels and allow hormonal shifts that support ovulation.

Focus on Nutritional Support

A well-balanced diet can play a significant role in improving fertility. Key nutrients and practices to consider include:

• Healthy Fats: Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, to support hormonal balance.
• Iron-Rich Foods: Low iron levels can disrupt ovulation. Incorporate leafy greens, legumes, and lean meats into your meals.
• Folic Acid Supplements: Taking folic acid supports reproductive health and prepares your body for pregnancy.

Hydration and sufficient calorie intake are also crucial while breastfeeding, since your body requires extra energy to maintain milk production and overall health.

Manage Stress Levels

Stress can interfere with ovulation by disrupting hormone production. To promote fertility:

• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help you manage daily stress.
• Prioritize Rest: Although it’s challenging with a baby, aim for quality sleep whenever possible.
• Seek Support: Lean on family, friends, or a counselor for help managing emotional or physical stress.

Consider Weaning

If adjusting breastfeeding routines doesn’t seem to restore fertility and conceiving is a priority, partial or full weaning may be an option to explore. Gradual weaning allows your body to adjust and can lead to the return of regular ovulation.

Conclusion

To manage your reproductive health, it’s important to understand the signs of returning fertility while breastfeeding. By paying attention to changes in your body—like cervical mucus, ovulation pain, and shifts in your menstrual cycle—you can make informed decisions about family planning.

Tracking fertility may feel daunting at first, but with methods like cycle charting or fertility awareness, you can gain clarity over time. Remember, every woman’s body is unique, and fertility can return at different times postpartum.

Whether you’re eager to expand your family or looking to delay another pregnancy, staying in tune with your body empowers you to navigate this transitional phase with confidence. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider or fertility expert to get personalized support on your journey.