How to Wean from Breastfeeding and Kickstart Ovulation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Moms

Weaning from breastfeeding is a significant milestone for both mom and baby. For many moms, dropping feeds and weaning can be linked to the return of ovulation and menstruation, especially for those who have experienced lactational amenorrhea—the natural delay in menstruation and ovulation due to breastfeeding. This post will walk through the process of weaning, how it affects your hormones and ovulation, and how you can gently encourage the return of fertility while ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your baby.

Why Does Breastfeeding Suppress Ovulation?

When you breastfeed frequently, your body produces high levels of prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production. Prolactin suppresses the reproductive hormones that lead to ovulation and menstruation. The result is a natural form of contraception called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), which can last for months or even years, depending on how much and how often you nurse. However, as breastfeeding sessions decrease, so does prolactin, which leads to the gradual return of ovulation and fertility.

Signs That Ovulation May Be Returning

Before jumping into how to drop feeds and wean, it’s essential to recognize the signs that your body is preparing for ovulation. These include:

1. Changes in Cervical Mucus: As ovulation approaches, cervical mucus may become clear, stretchy, and more abundant.

2. Mild Cramps or Pelvic Discomfort: Some women experience mild cramping or ovulation pain.

3. Breast Sensitivity: Your breasts might feel tender or sore, especially around ovulation.

4. Increased Libido: Hormonal changes may also lead to a noticeable increase in sex drive.

Even if you are still breastfeeding, if you notice any of these signs, your body might be getting ready for ovulation. Now let’s discuss how to facilitate this process through weaning.

How to Drop Feeds and Wean Gently

Weaning doesn’t have to happen all at once. In fact, gradual weaning is often best for both your body and your baby. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Start with Dropping the Least Favorite Feed

Begin by dropping the nursing session that seems the least important to your baby. This is usually a daytime feed, when distractions, meals, and activities can easily replace the nursing session. Replace it with a healthy snack or a cup of milk if your baby is over 12 months.

2. Drop One Feed Every Few Days or Weeks

Weaning slowly helps prevent issues such as engorgement or blocked ducts. Drop one feed, then give your body (and your baby) a few days or even a week to adjust before dropping another. This gradual approach also helps your hormones stabilize and prevents a sharp decline in prolactin, making it easier for ovulation to return.

3. Night Weaning

If you’re still nursing at night, night weaning can have the most significant impact on reducing prolactin and stimulating ovulation. You can try comforting your baby back to sleep without offering the breast or having your partner step in during nighttime wakings. Over time, your baby will adjust to the new routine, and your body will produce less prolactin overnight, allowing your reproductive hormones to rise.

4. Replace Breastfeeding with Other Comforts

If your baby is nursing for comfort rather than nutrition, try replacing nursing with other soothing techniques. You can offer cuddles, a favorite blanket, or a story to ease the transition. This helps to establish new comfort routines as you drop more feeds.

5. Maintain Hydration and Nutrition

As you reduce breastfeeding sessions, ensure you and your baby remain hydrated. For moms, hydration is essential as your body adjusts, and for babies, especially those under one year, it’s important to replace dropped feeds with appropriate nutrition.

Encouraging Ovulation Post-Weaning

While the weaning process reduces prolactin and allows ovulation to resume, you can take additional steps to support your body’s return to fertility.

1. Monitor Hormonal Signs

As your body starts to ovulate, tracking basal body temperature (BBT) and using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) can help you understand your cycle. These methods will help you identify when ovulation is returning, even before you get your first period.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

A nutrient-rich diet can support hormone balance. Focus on foods that are rich in healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil, as they help in hormone production. Additionally, consider adding fertility-friendly foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains to your diet.

3. Consider Hormonal Supplements

If you’ve been breastfeeding for an extended period, certain supplements, like vitamin D, B6, and magnesium, can help your body return to hormonal balance. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with the delicate balance of reproductive hormones. As you wean and your baby starts to sleep more, aim to get consistent rest to support your body’s hormonal health.

5. Limit Stress

Excessive stress can delay the return of ovulation. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even just deep breathing exercises into your routine to manage stress levels and encourage ovulation.

Weaning and Hormonal Shifts: What to Expect

As you reduce breastfeeding sessions, you may notice a range of hormonal shifts. These can include mood swings, changes in energy levels, or even changes in skin or hair due to the drop in prolactin and oxytocin. The process of weaning can also temporarily increase feelings of sadness or anxiety due to the natural decline in oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which is released during breastfeeding.

It’s essential to be gentle with yourself during this time. If mood changes become overwhelming, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or counselor who can provide guidance and support.

Final Thought

Dropping feeds and weaning is a gradual process that can help encourage the return of ovulation while giving your body the time it needs to adjust. Pay attention to your body’s signals, move at a pace that works for both you and your baby, and remember that every weaning journey is different.

If you’re hoping to kickstart ovulation and plan for another baby, slow and steady weaning, alongside a healthy lifestyle, can help bring your cycle back. Be patient—your body knows how to transition naturally, and with the right approach, you’ll be on your way to resuming ovulation.

For personalized advice, always consult with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. You can book a consultation with me right here.