Breast feeding and ovulation

[Frog253]

I tried this question in health but got no response so will try here. I am breastfeeding my 25 week old and have not had a period yet, I have also been sterilised (about a week ago). After the op I was told to use another form of contraception until my next period. Is this necessary if I am bf? My next period could be months away yet. Presumably I am not ovulating but if I were to ovulate say tomorrow I would imagine that the egg couldn't get all the way down the tube now could it or I have misunderstood what's happened?

I am breastfeeding an 8 month old and as yet have had no periods, I have been told several times by my Health Bis and Practice Nurse that breastfeeding alone is not a form of contraceptive.
Several of my Mummy friends are breastfeeding and having monthly periods so I think I am just lucky to not be getting them and try and remember to take my pill.
PS Friend got pregnant while using breastfeeding as a contraceptive 2 years ago.

Provided that the baby is under 6 months (i.e. under 26 weeks) and you are exclusively bf (by that I mean no other drinks of food of any sort given) then bf is a highly effective method of contraception (I seem to remember that the NHS leaflet I was given after birth said it was approx 98% effective in these circumstances), however if you have started weaning (purees, baby rice etc), and as your lo is almost 6 months old I don't think it is to be relied upon.

My periods didn't start again until about 3 months after I stopped bf each time, but of course some people's do.

I'm afraid I don't know about the sterilisation process so not sure what happens when you ovulate. I should discuss with your GP.

Thanks for your answers, will have to talk to the GP. I should have asked the question at the time of the op but didn't for some reason.

I have never had a period whilst breastfeeding, having fed my 3dc's for over a year each. Am still bf dc3 and so not had a period in ages. Have not been able to get pg whilst bfing either, though as we are planning on stopping at 3 I am not going to rely on it as contraception!
I think I am in the minority amongst my mum friends though.