In Nigeria, it’s very common to hear aunties, neighbors, or even older relatives say, “Don’t worry, as long as you’re breastfeeding, you won’t get pregnant.”
Some even call it “God’s own family planning.”
This belief is common, especially among new mothers who are exclusively nursing their babies.
The truth is, while breastfeeding can delay the return of your period and reduce the chances of pregnancy for a while, it is not a foolproof method of family planning.
So, how exactly does breastfeeding affect fertility, and when should you start worrying about pregnancy again?
How Breastfeeding Affects Fertility
Breastfeeding influences a woman’s hormones in ways that can delay the return of fertility.
The main player here is prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. High levels of prolactin can:
This is why many new mothers may not see their periods for months after delivery. Once ovulation returns, even before your first postpartum period, you can become pregnant again.
In short, breastfeeding can reduce your chances of conceiving, but it does not guarantee complete protection.
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
LAM is a natural family planning method that relies on exclusive breastfeeding to delay fertility. For it to work effectively, three conditions must be met at the same time:
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Your baby is less than 6 months old.
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You are exclusively breastfeeding (no formula, water, or solid foods).
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Your periods have not returned since childbirth.
However, once any of these conditions change, such as your baby turning 6 months or your period returning, LAM becomes unreliable.
When the Risk of Pregnancy Increases
Even if you are still breastfeeding, your chances of getting pregnant go up once certain changes happen. Some of these include:
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Your periods return — this means your body is preparing to rerelease eggs.
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Your baby is older than 6 months — by this time, most babies start eating pap, cereals, or other foods, and breastfeeding is no longer exclusive.
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You breastfeed less often — especially when nighttime feeding is reduced. Ovulation can return when the body no longer gets frequent stimulation from nursing.
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Weaning begins — introducing formula, water, or solid foods can lower the hormonal effect of breastfeeding.
It’s also important to know that ovulation can happen before your first period after childbirth. This means you could get pregnant before your body starts showing signs that you are ready to conceive.
Signs Your Fertility May Be Returning
It’s not always obvious when your body starts preparing for pregnancy again, but there are a few signs to watch out for:
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Return of your period – once menstruation comes back, it means ovulation has likely resumed.
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Changes in cervical mucus – you may notice clear, stretchy discharge similar to raw egg white, which is a common sign of ovulation.
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Mild cramps or abdominal discomfort – some women feel ovulation pain (also called mittelschmerz).
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Reduced frequency of breastfeeding – especially if you’re supplementing with other foods or skipping night feeds.
Family Planning Options While Breastfeeding
If you’re not ready for another pregnancy, the good news is that there are safe contraceptive options you can use while still breastfeeding.
Some are hormonal, others are non-hormonal, so you can choose what works best for you.
Safe methods include:
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Progestin-only contraceptives – such as the mini-pill, implants, or injections. These don’t affect milk production and are safe for nursing mothers.
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Barrier methods – like condoms, which also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Combined hormonal contraceptives (those that contain estrogen, like some pills and patches) are usually not recommended in the first 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, because estrogen can reduce milk supply.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health both recommend that mothers discuss with a healthcare provider before choosing a method, so it fits their personal health and family needs.
What This Means for You as a Nursing Mother
Here are a few takeaways to keep in mind:
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Breastfeeding is good for your baby, but it is not a guarantee against pregnancy.
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If you’re not ready for another child, combine breastfeeding with a reliable family planning method.
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Visit a health center, clinic, or hospital near you to talk with a nurse, midwife, or doctor about safe contraceptive options.
Choosing family planning doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your baby; it actually helps you recover, regain strength, and prepare for the next pregnancy when you are ready.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is a beautiful part of motherhood, but it’s also a stage where making informed choices about your health matters.
Every woman’s body responds differently after childbirth, so understanding your own cycle and getting the right support can make a difference.
What about you?
Did you ever think breastfeeding alone was enough to prevent pregnancy, or have you tried a family planning method while nursing?
Drop your thoughts below.
Researched by Victoria Odueso
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