Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

Maybe you've heard that breastfeeding is "nature's birth control." Or your friend swears she couldn't get pregnant until she completely stopped nursing. Perhaps your mother-in-law insists you don't need to worry about contraception while you're breastfeeding. 

If you've ever wondered whether or not you can get pregnant while breastfeeding, the short answer is yes, you absolutely can get pregnant while breastfeeding. Although exclusive breastfeeding may delay the return of fertility, ovulation can begin before your first postpartum period. 

In this blog, we'll break down how breastfeeding actually impacts fertility, when you're less likely to get pregnant while breastfeeding, and what birth control options make sense for nursing moms.

Some moms use exclusive breastfeeding as a natural form of birth control, called the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM). For LAM to be effective, three things need to be true:

• Your baby is under six months old

• You're exclusively breastfeeding (no formula, solids, or other liquids)

• Your period hasn't returned since giving birth

LAM requires feeding your baby at least every four hours during the day and at least every six hours at night. Missing even one feeding can make it ineffective. Many mothers find that's just not realistic, especially if you're pumping at work or dealing with life's curveballs. If you're considering LAM, it's worth having a backup birth control plan ready.

The chances of getting pregnant while breastfeeding are relatively low. When followed perfectly, LAM can be 98% effective, meaning 2 out of 100 women may still get pregnant. However, maintaining that strict feeding schedule isn't easy for everyone. If LAM feels too restrictive or stressful, there are plenty of other safe birth control options to explore.

Liz Truesdale, RN, IBCLC, an expert lactation consultant at Aeroflow Breastpumps, said, “Breastfeeding can temporarily delay ovulation, but it’s not a guaranteed form of birth control. Knowing your options can help you feel confident in your family planning journey.”

Even if your period hasn't come back yet, your body might be giving you hints that ovulation is starting up again. Watch for:

• Changes in cervical mucus (it may become clearer and more stretchy)

• Mild pelvic discomfort or cramping

• Shifts in your sex drive

These signs can help you know when your body is transitioning back to its regular cycle, separate from your postpartum recovery.

No, you are not automatically more fertile after giving birth. Your fertility after giving birth depends on several factors including your age, how often you're breastfeeding, your overall health, and when your period comes back. Some women experience longer delays in ovulation (called postpartum amenorrhea), while for others, ovulation resumes more quickly. Once your cycle does return, it might be irregular for a while, making it harder to predict when you're most fertile.

Early pregnancy symptoms, like fatigue and tender breasts, can feel a lot like regular postpartum life, so it's not always obvious. If you're wondering, a home pregnancy test is your best bet. These tests are reliable and work the same way whether you're breastfeeding or not. For the most accurate results, wait until after you've missed a period (if your cycle has returned), though some tests can detect pregnancy earlier. If you're unsure or concerned, reach out to your healthcare provider.

Ovulation predictor kits can be helpful postpartum. They work by detecting the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that happens right before you ovulate. That said, breastfeeding hormones can sometimes make the results less predictable. If you're using these kits, it helps to combine them with tracking physical signs (like cervical mucus changes) to get a clearer picture. And always follow the instructions on the package for best results.

If you're ready to explore your birth control options, there are several choices that are the least likely to affect your milk supply or harm your baby. Hormonal methods that contain estrogen aren't recommended while breastfeeding because they can reduce milk production and may carry other health risks. But don't worry. You still have plenty of effective options that can work with your lifestyle:

• Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) under the specific conditions mentioned above

• Progestin-only pills (often called "minipills")

• The Copper IUD (hormone-free)

• Barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms

• Progestin implants

Speak with your healthcare provider about which option feels right for you based on your health, breastfeeding goals, and family planning timeline.

Taking care of yourself during this postpartum period matters—not just for breastfeeding, but for your overall well-being. Stay hydrated, nourish yourself with good food when you can, and rest whenever possible (we know that's easier said than done). Staying connected with your healthcare provider and paying attention to what your body is telling you can help you navigate both breastfeeding and fertility with more confidence.

In addition to helping parents get breast pumps and supplies through insurance, Aeroflow Breastpumps also provides educational classes and helpful resources to make pregnancy and breastfeeding feel a little less overwhelming. Many of these classes may even be covered by your insurance, so you can focus on learning and feeling supported. To see what you qualify for, simply fill out our eligibility form and explore the classes that best fit your needs.