Expert: ruth kraft - 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).
I do not check for ovulation with temperature and cervical mucous, but I can, if necessary.
Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Typically breastfeeding that little does not supress ovulation. Your period sounds like it is normal. I would suggest doing the charting of your temp and mucous for 3 months and see if it shows ovulation. Alot can be told by that. you can go to www.ovusoft.com and get alot of help with that. Once you know what your body is doing you can go from there. I think weaning would be premature. See if you are ovulating first, if you are, there is no sense to wean but rather check to see what else is going on.

Good luck! I hope it happens quickly from here!

Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com