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I think as long as your cycles are regular, you're probably ovulating and therefore not nursing enough to prevent a pregnancy. Could you start using OPKs or temp to confirm O? Wishing you lots of luck!

@Zbug: I didn't realize about the shorter luteal phase. All the more reason to chart, I suppose!

I would start by assuming that if you are having regular cycles your typical fertility has returned. If, after some trying, you feel like breastfeeding might be having an effect on fertility, you can discuss it further with your doctor. Ellie was still nursing when I became pregnant with Lorelei. I was having regular cycles, and she was typically nursing three times or less per day (though I think having a regular period is more predictive than the amount of nursing sessions). Charting doesn't sound too shabby, either. At the very least, it gives you some additional information for you (and your doctor) both now and down the road. Good luck!!

I hope this isn't rude to ask but you said you got your period back at 6 months? Was your little one sleeping through the night? I want to TTC but still haven't had a period after 11 months.

@thestartermum: I got AF back at 15 months when LO really started stretching out her night sleep. My first few cycles were irregular but we got pregnant at around 21 months or so and I was still nursing 3-4 times a day.

I got my period back 2 months PP but I was unable to get pregnant while nursing even when I was only nursing once a day. As soon as I weaned I got pregnant. Many women have opposite experiences though. Good luck!

@Kemma: do you mind me asking if you noticed you were ovulating when you were still irregular?
@thestartermum: my cycle didn't come back until a few months after we cut down to 1 time per day nursing. I guess some peoples bodies are very sensitive!

If your prolactin levels are elevated because of nursing then yes, it could possibly prevent pregnancy.