Many new parents wonder if they can get pregnant while still nursing — and the answer is yes, but it’s not always as simple as it sounds. Breastfeeding affects your hormones, ovulation, and cycle patterns, which can influence your chances of conceiving again. If you're thinking about trying for baby #2 soon after your first, here’s what you need to know about TTC (trying to conceive) while breastfeeding.

Is it possible to get pregnant when you are still breastfeeding?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. While exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility in some women, it is not a reliable form of birth control once your baby is older than six months, starts sleeping longer stretches, or begins eating solid foods.

Breastfeeding impacts fertility mainly through the hormone prolactin, which helps produce milk and also suppresses ovulation. But as your baby nurses less frequently, prolactin levels drop and your cycle can return, often unpredictably.

Does getting pregnant while breastfeeding increase chance of twins?

Maybe, yes — studies suggest conceiving while breastfeeding may raise the odds of twins, especially identical ones. Research shows the rate of twinning in women who became pregnant during lactation was about 11.4% compared to 1.1% in the general population. Experts believe this is linked to calcium shifts that happen during lactation, which may influence how an embryo divides.

Still, while the chance is higher than average, twins are uncommon overall — so breastfeeding doesn’t make them likely, just a bit more possible.

How do I know if I'm fertile while breastfeeding?

Figuring out if you’re fertile while nursing can feel like detective work — especially since breastfeeding can make your cycle irregular (or even absent for a while). But your body does drop some pretty reliable hints.

Signs that fertility may be returning while breastfeeding include:

If you want more certainty, you can layer in tools like ovulation predictor kits, BBT charting, or natural family planning methods — just remember they may be trickier to interpret postpartum, so combining them with body awareness usually works best.

What does ovulation feel like while breastfeeding?

For some, ovulation feels like a brief twinge or ache low in the pelvis, often on one side. You might also notice a sudden boost in mood, energy, or even flirtiness as hormones shift. Because breastfeeding hormones can blur or mute these signals, some cycles may feel obvious while others pass without you noticing a thing — and both are completely normal.

Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding if there is no period?

Surprisingly, yes. You can ovulate before your first postpartum period. That means you could conceive before ever seeing your period return. Ovulation always precedes menstruation, so by the time your period arrives, you may have already been fertile and possibly pregnant.

This is why tracking your fertility while breastfeeding can be tricky. Without periods, you can’t rely on typical cycle-based predictions, so you may want to look into ovulation tests, cervical mucus monitoring, or basal body temperature (BBT) charting if you're TTC.

Is breastfeeding a form of birth control?

Breastfeeding can serve as a natural method of birth control under specific conditions, a practice known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). However, its effectiveness is limited to a defined timeframe and set of circumstances, and it is not considered a reliable long-term contraceptive option for most people.

LAM can be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, but only if all three of the following conditions are met:

  1. The infant is under six months of age
  2. The mother is exclusively breastfeeding. This includes frequent, on-demand nursing both day and night, without supplementation from formula or solid foods
  3. Menstrual periods have not yet returned and there has been no vaginal bleeding after the first 56 days postpartum

Why does it work?

It’s all related to prolactin. As your baby starts nursing less often or has longer stretches between feeds, prolactin levels drop, and ovulation can start up again, often before you notice your first postpartum period.

Once any of these conditions change, the contraceptive effectiveness of breastfeeding significantly decreases. Keep in mind that if you want to delay pregnancy, consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance on contraceptive methods that are compatible with breastfeeding.

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Does getting pregnant while breastfeeding affect milk supply?

Yes — pregnancy hormones naturally cause a dip in milk production, often becoming noticeable around the fourth or fifth month. While your supply usually doesn’t disappear completely, it may be lower than before, and the taste and composition of your milk can shift as your body prepares to make colostrum for the new baby.

For babies under one, it’s important to keep an eye on weight gain to make sure they’re still getting enough nutrition. Toddlers, on the other hand, often adjust on their own — some continue happily, while others self-wean when the milk tastes different.

The good news? Your body is designed for this. Even if you continue nursing through pregnancy, your newborn will still get first dibs on colostrum after birth, and nursing an older child won’t take that away.

Tips for increasing your chances of conceiving while breastfeeding

If you're eager to try for baby #2 while still nursing, here are a few strategies that may help:

  • Night weaning: Prolactin levels are highest at night, and reducing night feeds can help trigger ovulation. That said, it’s important to consider your baby’s needs. If your baby still requires night feeds for nutritional reasons, continue feeding them as needed. However, if your baby is waking primarily for comfort rather than hunger, night weaning may be an option to explore. Always consider speaking with a lactation consultant or pediatrician to determine what’s developmentally appropriate and supportive for both you and your baby.
  • Space out nursing sessions: Increasing the time between feedings may lower prolactin. Again, consider your baby’s needs and speak to your healthcare provider about the best feeding options for you and your baby.
  • Monitor ovulation: Use LH strips, BBT, and cervical mucus tracking to help track your fertile window.

Breastfeeding, fertility, and finding your flow

Trying to conceive while breastfeeding is entirely possible, but it often comes with a bit of unpredictability. Every woman’s postpartum journey is unique, and while some may get pregnant quickly, others may need more time.The key is to listen to your body, track your fertility signs, and talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure about your hormone balance or cycle patterns. Whether you’re hoping for a close sibling age gap or just starting to think about the next baby, understanding how breastfeeding impacts fertility will help you make informed decisions on your TTC journey.

Dahlia Rimmon is a freelance writer, editor, and registered dietitian. She writes for various publications and family-focused brands, covering everything from food and supplements to overall health and wellness. Her experience spans private practice, consulting, and working in the baby food industry. She lives in St. Louis with her family.