How fertile are you after birth while breastfeeding?

If you practice ecological breastfeeding: Chance of pregnancy is practically zero during the first three months, less than 2% between 3 and 6 months, and about 6% after 6 months (assuming mom’s menstrual periods have not yet returned).

Can you get pregnant while nursing a baby?

The simple answer is yes. Although breastfeeding offers some protection from ovulation, the monthly occurrence where you release a mature egg from one of your ovaries, it is possible to ovulate and become pregnant prior to getting your first period.

How do I know if I’m ovulating?

Signs of ovulation to look out for Your basal body temperature falls slightly, then rises again. Your cervical mucus becomes clearer and thinner with a more slippery consistency similar to that of egg whites. Your cervix softens and opens up. You may feel a slight twinge of pain or mild cramps in your lower abdomen.

Do you still ovulate while breastfeeding?

When you exclusively breastfeed — meaning you nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, and feed your baby only breast milk — your body naturally stops ovulating. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t ovulate. No ovulation means you won’t have your period, either.

How do I maximize my chances of getting pregnant?

How to get pregnant: Step-by-step instructions

Record menstrual cycle frequency.
Monitor ovulation.
Have sex every other day during the fertile window.
Strive for a healthy body weight.
Take a prenatal vitamin.
Eat healthy foods.
Cut back on strenuous workouts.
Be aware of age-related fertility declines.

Can breastfeeding prevent implantation?

Probably not. If you are still transitioning to full fertility (as discussed above), breastfeeding may affect the success of implantation. Once implantation is successful, breastfeeding should not affect a healthy pregnancy (see A New Look at the Safety of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy for more information).

How soon after giving birth can you get pregnant?

You can get pregnant as little as 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, even if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t started again. Unless you want to get pregnant again, it’s important to use some kind of contraception every time you have sex after giving birth, including the first time.

What is LAM contraception?

The Lactation Amenorrhea Method is a natural, short term birth control method in which a woman relies on exclusive breastfeeding after birth to prevent pregnancy.