Stupid question...does BFing delay AF/ovulation?

jenna1008

We really want to have another child as soon after this baby arrives as possible.   have very low ovarian reserves, so it is pertinent that I don't waste time.  I am wondering how breastfeeding will affect this plan.  I'm NOT saying that I will choose to formula feed just to try to conceive more quickly.  I just want to have all of the facts.

jana_86

It can delay AF.  LO is 6 m/o and I haven't had mine since I got PG.  I have heard that you can still ovulate however.

danienross

DD is 6mos and still no period here.  Some women pick up with normal cycles very quickly, some women don't get their cycles back until they completely wean...and then of course you have everything in between.  There is really no way to know.

shotzie

Bf'ing generally suppresses ovulation for some time. I didn't get my first pp period until DD was 11 months old. My sister, on the other hand, resumed her periods at 3-4 months pp. It just depends on the person.

sacredcello

With formula-feeding, there is normally an early return of fertility (7 - 9 weeks)

with exclusive breastfeeding there is high infertility for the first 56 days (8 weeks) postpartum.  less than 2% chance of pregnancy while experiencing amenorrhea during first 6 months

Extended breastfeeding can extend the infertile time, but after 56 days, you can begin charting to look for your returning fertility signs.

Sue&Pasquale

DS is almost 7 months and no AF here yet.

SarahC720

DD is almost 9 months old and no pp period here.  I did get the Mirena at 2 months pp though, so not sure if that is also playing into the situation.

 

But yea, BFing is a "sort of" form of BC.  For some people it is more effective than others and no doctor would ever advise using it as a primary form of BC.....but it plays with your hormones and can delay ovulation. HTH!