Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding If Your Period Hasn't Returned? 5 Facts Every New Mom Must Know

Add as a preferred source on Google

You've just had a baby. You're adjusting to sleepless nights, unpredictable diaper changes, and around-the-clock feedings. The last thing on your mind might be another pregnancy-especially if your period hasn't made a comeback.

Many moms believe that no periods mean no ovulation. But here's the uncomfortable truth: you can still get pregnant while breastfeeding, and it might happen without any warning signs. In fact, lactational amenorrhea-a natural birth control method based on breastfeeding-is often misunderstood and misused.

World Breastfeeding Week will be observed from 1 August to 7 August 2025. So, before you bank on breastfeeding to space out your next pregnancy, read these five facts that reveal what's really going on inside your body-and why your period is not the only sign of fertility.

1. No Period Doesn't Always Mean No Ovulation

It's easy to assume that if you're not bleeding, your body isn't fertile. But biologically, ovulation happens before your period. This means your body could release an egg silently, without warning, and if you have unprotected sex, you could conceive before your first postpartum period ever shows up. Many women are shocked to discover they're pregnant again just a few months after childbirth-often because they didn't realise ovulation had resumed.

2. What Is the Lactational Amenorrhea Method And When Does It Work?

The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a natural family planning technique that relies on exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation. When done correctly, it can be up to 98% effective. But "done correctly" means no formula, no pacifiers, no long gaps between feedings, and feeding even at night-all within the first six months after birth. Once your baby starts solids or your nursing frequency drops, LAM becomes unreliable. If you aren't following all the conditions, your body might already be gearing up for ovulation, even if you're unaware.

3. Your Fertility Might Return Sooner Than You Think

Every woman's body is different. While some don't menstruate for a year or more while breastfeeding, others find their period returning within six to eight weeks. Factors like baby's feeding pattern, maternal nutrition, sleep, and stress levels can all influence the return of fertility. If your baby starts sleeping through the night or you begin pumping instead of direct feeding, your hormonal balance may shift enough to allow ovulation. In short, there's no guaranteed timeline.

4. Breastfeeding Is Not Birth Control, Unless Backed By Strategy

Even though breastfeeding can suppress fertility, it is not a foolproof birth control method. If you're not fully informed or if you're past six months postpartum, it's safer to use additional contraception. Barrier methods like condoms, non-hormonal IUDs, or progestin-only pills (also known as the "mini-pill") are safe options while breastfeeding. Relying solely on your lack of periods could lead to a surprise pregnancy-and not everyone's emotionally or physically ready to repeat the journey so soon.

5. Want To Space Pregnancies Safely? Talk To A Doctor

Spacing out pregnancies by at least 18 to 24 months is linked to better health outcomes for both mom and baby. Short gaps between births are associated with low birth weight, premature delivery, and maternal complications. If you're breastfeeding and unsure about your fertility status, it's best to consult a gynaecologist. They can help you decide on a birth control method that aligns with your nursing routine, personal values, and recovery timeline. Ignoring this conversation could cost you your health more than you think.

Breastfeeding gives your baby nourishment, comfort, and connection-but it doesn't always give you reliable protection from pregnancy. Even if your period hasn't returned, your body could still be preparing for the next cycle. The key is to understand your fertility, respect your body's recovery, and choose a plan that supports your health and future goals. Because when it comes to motherhood, informed choices are your most powerful protection.