Does breastfeeding stop ovulation?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineBreastfeeding can suppress ovulation in the early months when feeding is frequent and exclusive, but it doesn't reliably stop it - ovulation can return, and it does so before your first period.

Breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, especially in the early months, but it doesn't reliably stop it for everyone. The effect depends heavily on how often and how exclusively you nurse.

How it works

Suckling triggers the release of prolactin, which keeps the hormones that drive ovulation low. The more frequent the feeds - particularly overnight - the stronger the suppression. Long gaps between feeds let those hormones rise and ovulation can return.

Why it's not a guarantee

• Ovulation can restart as soon as feeds become less frequent.
• Some people ovulate while still breastfeeding regularly.
• The first ovulation comes before any period, so you may not get a warning.

Using it as natural birth control

The lactational amenorrhea method works only under strict conditions: baby under 6 months, exclusive on-demand feeding day and night, and no return of your period. Outside those conditions, don't count on breastfeeding to prevent ovulation.

Femora helps you track ovulation signs so you can see when your fertility returns.

Track ovulation: ovulation calculator