Breastfeeding
Mothers who are fully breast-feeding their babies may not ovulate or menstruate for several months. Fully breast-feeding means that the baby is dependent entirely on the breast for nutrition.
Sucking stimulates the production of a hormone (prolactin) that suppresses ovulation, thus delaying the woman’s return to fertility. Breastfeeding frequently, on demand, and using the breast as a pacifier or comforter usually delays the onset of ovulation.
Once the need for milk diminishes, as when supplemental food is added or the baby is weaned, this hormone is decreased and the woman returns to fertility. By careful observation a woman can learn to recognize the Basic Infertile Pattern (B.I.P) which occurs while she is breast-feeding.
When you stop breastfeeding, you will return to average cycles like the example below. Good nutrition and excercise will contribute gradually to your good health and average cycles.
The Ovulation Method is not the old "rhythm method" or the temperature method. It is a new scientifically proven method, researched by Dr. John Billings with the scientific research confirmed by the famous endocrinologist James B. Brown. This method is based on the simple recognition of natural signs of fertility that appear for a few days during the woman's menstrual cycle. Family of the Americas (FAF) was instrumental in simplifying the teaching and charting system of the Ovulation Method that made it applicable for universal use.
By keeping accurate records, a woman can now confidently identify the fertile and infertile phases of her cycle. Women with long or irregular cycles, breast-feeding mothers, and even those going through pre-menopause or discontinuing artificial methods of family planning may use the Ovulation Method safely and effectively.