Does ANY breastfeeding reduce fertility?

[SpanishBump]

Hi. I had a baby 20 months ago and have had my periods back for nine of those. I’m still breastfeeding, but much less, and my son eats huge amounts of solids. I’m finding it very difficult to wean, but am trying to do so to increase my (already slim) chances of getting pregnant again. There doesn’t seem to be much information out there on whether NON-exclusive bf from an ovulating mother is likely to hamper conception. Any experience or second-hand experience gratefully received.

I got pregnant when DD1 was seven months - she'd had very tiny amounts of food, but was almost exclusively breastfed. I got my periods back within two months, despite her feeding non-stop.

I was also 41, so I doubt my fertility was high.

I fell pregnant while still breastfeeding DD. She was 2 years. I was 39.

I don't think it affects fertility once your periods are back.

AFAIK, bf as a method of contraception only works when done exclusively, including at night - which is not quite the question you're asking, but would suggest that the ovulation-suppressing effect does drop off quite a lot. I've conceived three times while bf (two of those conceptions ended in mc, but nothing to do with the bf) - within the first couple of months of trying each time.

And (again IIRC) the bf 'method' is called the 'lactational amenorrhea method', which would suggest that not having periods is a crucial part of its effect.

There was a thread discussing this recently, a woman in your position had asked for fertility testing and was told none would be offered unless she completely gave up breastfeeding.

I'm curious about this as hoping to start ttc soon and still feeding a 21 month old, morning and evening, no overnights, my periods came back when she was one.

I think if you're having regular periods it's likely you're ovulating, but even a small amount of breastfeeding can affect hormonal balances. I had a follow up appointment that talked about pelvic floor tone recently and the consultant said that I would still have less (more?! I think it was less) oestrogen even though I wasn't feeding much so I may see an improvement there once I stopped feeding. So my guess is, for most people who have periods back it's unlikely to be a problem but for some a slight change in hormones could be enough to have a negative impact.

Are you tracking ovulation? OPKs, temping etc. If you're ovulating, then you're fertile.

I had periods but didn't ovulate until after DC stopped feeding. (Then stoped ovulating completely but that was due to PCOS).

Thanks everyone, that’s really useful. I just assumed I was ovulating as I’ve had periods and the right kind of cervical mucas, but could be wrong. I tried OPKs once but they never showed I was ovulating (scans did). Sounds like I should wean completely to be sure. I finally conceived at 41 last time, having been told my chances were zero. So I assume it’s very unlikely, but have been pleasantly surprised once!