Breastfeeding toddler

[userabcname]

I'm sure this has been asked before but the search function doesn't work on my app. Will breastfeeding a toddler roughly 2-3 times a day (sometimes more, often the first feed being around 4am so technically a night feed) impact ttc? Periods have returned and are regular although cycle length is now 35-36 days rather than 32 as pre-pregnancy. TIA.

I think, as a general rule, breastfeeding does change hormones that reduce the chance of pregnancy...but only in the first 6mths post-partum.

If you think about history, women breastfed mostly exclusively for a couple of years and still conceived.

Also, although I’m no expert, if your periods have returned (and minor changes in your usual pattern are totally normal) and are regular, you’re probably just as fertile as you can be? If you’re worried about it, see your GP

No one can tell you for sure is the short answer. It wouldn't for most people (it didn't for me - I didn't wean my toddler until I was 16 weeks pregnant) but some people find they can't conceive until they wean completely.

If you are regular and appear to be ovulating there's no reason to think you wouldn't conceive.

Great, thank you both!

It depends. I had to stop all feeds (was only feeding every 3 days in the end) completely before I got pregnant, but got pregnant immediately after stopping, even on the pill!

Oh interesting @overagain - did you still get regular cycles while bf-ing or were you aware that your fertility was being affected?

I was on the pill so it was hard to say. But I had one break through period when we night weaned at 14 months. Have you used ov sticks to see if it's likely you are ovulating?

No not yet - I had assumed I was ovulating as periods have returned but I think I'll buy some to see if I actually am!

Yeah it's possible and fairly common to have anovulatory cycles if breastfeeding.