Can you get pregnant while you're still breastfeeding?

While breastfeeding can delay the return of a woman's ovulation and normal menstrual cycle, it is not considered to be a reliable method to prevent pregnancy, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Alternative forms of birth control should be considered in order to prevent pregnancy.

A breastfeeding woman who wishes to prevent pregnancy should speak with her doctor about alternatives for birth control that are safe to use while nursing, recommends the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Alternative methods for birth control may include natural family planning, barrier methods, hormonal methods, abstinence and implantable devices.