Expert: Norman Solberg - 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
It's fairly common that it will take longer than 3 months to get pregnant, even though it hasn't for you in the past.  Since your periods are fairly regular, I think you're probably ovulating, and that the breastfeeding isn't affecting ovulation.  However, it's still a possibility, and weaning may help you to become pregnant.  If you can verify that you're ovulating by mucous and temperature, then I don't think nursing is a factor.  If not, I would check with La Leche League for advice.  As you've noted, babies tend to lose interest in nursing at some point, but if not, probably just trying to go longer and longer between nursing will probably do it.  I don't think there are any hormones from Mirena still in your system.  Good luck.