Expert: Diane Cheryl - 8/29/2010

Question
I am 30 years old, with 4 pregnancies and 4 vaginal births. I recently had my Mirena IUD removed and I am actively trying to get pregnant. I have a 2 year old that is still breastfeeding two or three times a day, maybe 10 minutes each time. Mostly for comfort and sometimes for hydration.
I know every time is different, but I don't usually take this long to conceive. (3 months so far, we are working on #5.) Is this small amount of breastfeeding affecting my ovulation, or fertility, in any way?
If yes, do you have any suggestions for weaning? None of my other children had an interest in nursing this long, and self weaned at a much earlier age.
My cycles are between 26 and 31 days each (even on the Mirena, unfortunately).
Also, is it possible that the small amounts of hormones in the Mirena are still affecting my fertility?
I do not check for ovulation with temperature and cervical mucous, but I can, if necessary.
Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
My daughter has breastfed all of her 6 children. She told me that fertility is related to breastfeeding.

I don't know about weaning but I can ask my daughter or look up some information online. And yes, it's possible that the Mirena is causing
side effects. Email me at CHERYL51@aol.com so we can talk more about all of this.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl