Is breastfeeding a natural contraceptive? If so why don't you exploit that. How long does breastfeeding last?

Here is an excellent and well researched article on Ecological Breastfeeding Nearly all women have anovulatory first menstrual periods while breastfeeding. However ANY supplements, solids, or "sleeping through the night" can throw off the protective effects of breastfeeding. Less than 6% of women ovulate before their first menses, and less than 2% of those have a uterus that isn't hostile to implantation in the first 6 months of breastfeeding. But, this method ONLY works if certain standards are followed. A single bottle of formula or a couple of feedings skipped "so I could get some rest" will throw the entire thing off.

My husband and I used this method after our second two children were born. Our first baby had some supplements in the beginning (she didn't need them, but I was brainwashed into thinking she did, this was before I became educated in breastfeeding) so we didn't count on it, despite my not actually menstruating for 14 months, or ovulating for 15 months. And it works.... as long as the Standards are kept. Token Breastfeeding (which, sadly, is the way most American women breastfeed) may allow her body to return to fertility sooner. Complete Ecological Breastfeeding will protect against pregnancy for at least 6 months after the baby's birth and possibly longer. If you read the article, it gives the particulars. They are VERY important.

Token breastfeeding will NOT prevent pregnancy. ("Token Breastfeeding" is feeding "most of the time" at the breast, but introducing "the occasional" bottle, pumping and using the milk to skip feedings, using Sleep Training methods, using formula or pumped milk "so someone else can feed the baby" starting any solids before the 6 month birthday, basically any "convenience" ; ; that allows baby and mother to NOT breastfeed every 2-3 hours round the clock.)

How long does breastfeeding last? It varies from dyad to dyad. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an absolute minimum of 12 months of breastfeeding and then as long as mother and baby further desire. Some mother want to stop after only a few weeks. True breastfeeding inability is rare, and even women with stunted supplies can use a combination of breastfeeding and supplements together (although this will not prevent ovulation well, it does give both mother and baby many of the benefits and protections of breastfeeding for as long as they like.)

The world wide average for weaning is.... 4.2 years! This is much more common than most people realize. I have known hundreds of "closet nursers" who nurse their children for years, yet are afraid of society's reaction. I've nursed my own children anywhere from 15 months to 4 and a half years. It differs for every mother baby dyad.