Do natural cycles work if you are breastfeeding?

Understanding Natural Cycles While Breastfeeding
The intersection of breastfeeding and natural fertility tracking methods, such as Natural Cycles, raises important questions for new mothers. Many women wonder if they can effectively use these apps to manage their reproductive health during this unique phase of life.
Natural Cycles and Breastfeeding
Natural Cycles is a fertility tracking app that helps users identify their fertile and non-fertile days based on basal body temperature and menstrual cycle data. According to the app’s guidelines, women can start using Natural Cycles at any point after giving birth, including while breastfeeding. However, it’s crucial to note that the app will only indicate “Red Days” (days when pregnancy is possible) until the user’s first ovulation is detected. This is because the timing of ovulation can vary significantly among individuals, especially postpartum.
The Role of Breastfeeding in Ovulation
Breastfeeding can naturally suppress ovulation, particularly when done exclusively. This method, known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), can be effective in preventing pregnancy during the initial months after childbirth. For LAM to work, mothers must breastfeed frequently—at least every four hours during the day and every six hours at night. If these conditions are met, many women may not ovulate, thus reducing the likelihood of conception.
However, as breastfeeding patterns change or if a mother begins to introduce solid foods, the protective effect against ovulation may diminish. This variability means that while breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility, it is not a foolproof method of birth control.
Challenges and Considerations
For mothers using Natural Cycles while breastfeeding, the app may not provide immediate insights into their fertility status. Until ovulation is confirmed or the first menstrual period is logged, users will see only Red Days, which can be frustrating for those looking to plan or prevent pregnancy. This uncertainty underscores the importance of understanding one’s body and the potential changes that occur during the postpartum period.
Moreover, the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method can vary widely. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, the introduction of supplementary feeding, and individual hormonal responses all play a role in determining when ovulation might resume.
Conclusion
In summary, while Natural Cycles can be utilized during breastfeeding, its effectiveness is contingent upon the timing of ovulation, which can be unpredictable in the postpartum period. Breastfeeding can naturally suppress ovulation, but as feeding patterns evolve, so too can fertility. New mothers should remain informed about their bodies and consider consulting healthcare providers for personalized advice on managing fertility during this transitional phase.

Which birth control pill is best while breastfeeding?

It’s thought that estrogen may be at the root of this. If you’d like to use an oral contraceptive, the mini-pill is an option. This pill contains progestin only, so it’s considered to be safer for breastfeeding mothers.

How can I track my fertility while breastfeeding?

Determining fertility with natural biological markers during breastfeeding can be difficult. Breastfeeding not only affects the regularity of cycles (both the length and phases of the cycle), but also common natural indicators of fertility such as cervical mucus patterns and basal body temperature.

Why can’t you take birth control while breastfeeding?

Until breastfeeding is established, it is recommended that progesterone-only pills (POPs) be favored over combined hormonal contraception (CHC) as the latter has the potential to impede milk production, as pointed out in various medical studies [1].

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

Which pills are best for breastfeeding mothers?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

How can I get my period naturally while breastfeeding?

You are more likely to ovulate and resume regular periods if your baby is going for more than a few hours without breastfeeding (for instance, at night) and your baby is more than 6 months old. Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth.

Why did I get my period if I’m breastfeeding?

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.

Can I use natural cycles while breastfeeding?

Find out if Natural Cycles could work for you. Can I use Natural Cycles while breastfeeding? Yes. You can get started with Natural Cycles at any point after pregnancy, but you will only be given Red Days until your first ovulation is confirmed.

Are you super fertile while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

Do ovulation tests work when breastfeeding?

Fertility Myths, Debunked
You may be wondering, “are ovulation tests accurate while breastfeeding?” If you’re getting a positive ovulation test postpartum while breastfeeding, then you are most likely ovulating, even if you are still breastfeeding!