When does fertility return after childbirth
If you are a new mother, you are probably wondering how long you will remain infertile after giving birth. Postpartum infertility is a physiological and natural condition. It is primarily determined by the action of a hormone produced by the pituitary gland – prolactin. This hormone regulates breast milk production and adapts it to the changing needs of the baby. Prolactin levels depend on the intensity of nipple stimulation by the suckling infant – that is, on the frequency, duration, and effectiveness of breastfeeding. The more intensively the baby suckles, the more prolactin is released by the pituitary gland, resulting in increased milk production. A sufficiently high level of prolactin inhibits the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is responsible for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles containing the egg cell.
Physiology of fertility
Maturation of woman
Avoiding conception
Pregnancy planning
Fertility after childbirth
Fertility problems
Premenopause and menopause
The return of fertility after childbirth depends primarily on lactation – whether you breastfeed or use formula, and whether breastfeeding is exclusive or partial.
- According to the LAM method, in the case of exclusive breastfeeding, postpartum infertility lasts 84 days, that is, 12 weeks.
- If you breastfeed partially or do not breastfeed at all, you may assume a 6-week postpartum infertile period.
If you do not breastfeed, prolactin levels produced by the pituitary gland are relatively low, and therefore its inhibitory effect on ovarian follicle development is minimal. Signs of fertility may appear as early as 5-6 weeks after childbirth. Even before the first postpartum menstruation, biphasic cycles may return, initially with a shortened high-temperature (luteal) phase and often with cycles that are longer than those experienced previously.
In the case of partial (non-exclusive) breastfeeding, the 6-weeks after childbirth is considered postpartum infertility, unless you observe any cervical mucus secretion as early as the sixth week.
If, however, you are exclusively breastfeeding, meaning that all the conditions listed below are met, the high level of prolactin suppresses ovarian follicle growth and maturation, and postpartum infertility lasts at least 12 weeks (84 days). The appearance of mucus symptoms during this time does not need to be taken into account.
The conditions for exclusive breastfeeding (all must be met) are:
- at least 5-6 feedings per day,
- a total daily feeding time of at least 100 minutes,
- intervals between feedings (including at night) no longer than 6-7 hours,
- the baby receives no additional food or fluids other than the mother’s milk.
It should be remembered that failure to meet any one of these conditions may result in a decrease in prolactin levels and a gradual return of fertility before the end of the 12-week postpartum infertile period.
You should also be aware that breastfeeding with silicone nipple shields or expressing milk mechanically does not replace direct breastfeeding and cannot be considered a condition of exclusive breastfeeding.