Introduction
You may be breastfeeding around the clock and still wonder: Can I get pregnant before my periods return? It is a common postpartum question, especially when you are caring for a newborn and trying to understand when fertility comes back.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding—even before your first period after childbirth. Breastfeeding may delay ovulation, but it does not always prevent it. Because ovulation happens before menstruation, your fertility can return without warning. 1
Does Breastfeeding Prevent Pregnancy?
Breastfeeding can temporarily suppress the hormones involved in ovulation. However, this effect depends on how often and how fully you breastfeed, as well as how long it has been since delivery.
Breastfeeding provides reliable temporary contraception only when all three conditions of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) are met:
- Your periods have not returned.
- Your baby is fully or nearly fully breastfed, with no long gaps between feeds.
- Your baby is less than six months old. 2
If even one condition is no longer met—for example, your periods return, feeds become less frequent or your baby starts receiving substantial supplementary feeds—you should not rely on breastfeeding alone to prevent pregnancy.
What If You Do Not Want Another Pregnancy Yet?
If you want to avoid pregnancy while breastfeeding, speak with your obstetrician or healthcare professional about suitable postpartum contraception. Options include condoms, progestin-only contraceptives and certain intrauterine devices; the right choice depends on your health, preferences and time since delivery. 1
If you have had unprotected sex and are worried about pregnancy, seek timely medical advice about pregnancy testing and whether emergency contraception is appropriate.
Key Takeaways
- Pregnancy is possible while breastfeeding, even before periods return.
- Breastfeeding alone is not guaranteed contraception.
- LAM applies only when all three criteria are met, including being less than six months postpartum.
- If you want to delay another pregnancy, discuss contraception that suits breastfeeding and your needs.
References
[1] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Postpartum Birth Control.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Appendix G: Lactational Amenorrhea Method.