1. Return to Fertility (RTF) When a Woman Becomes Fertile Again
Session 5b
Return to Fertility (RTF)
When a Woman Becomes Fertile Again
Explain that during this session, we will discuss when during the postpartum time that a woman can become pregnant again.

2. What does it mean? Pregnant again after having a baby
Explain that “return to fertility” means the time at which a mother can become pregnant again after having a baby.

3. Factors affecting return to fertility
When her bleeding (menses) returns
How she breastfeeds
When she starts sex again
Explain that When a mother can become pregnant after having her baby depends on: When her menses returns – when a woman’s menses has returned you know she can become pregnant.
How she breastfeeds – the more a baby sucks and the longer time that it sucks the less chance of the woman becoming pregnant (until 6 months).
When she starts sex again – a woman cannot become pregnant until she begins having sex.

4. When can a woman become pregnant?
Walk participants through this chart.
Image credit: Holly Blanchard

5. When a woman can become pregnant after a birth is NOT predictable
3 Weeks
Women who are not breastfeeding
6 Weeks
Women who breastfeed and give other foods or liquids
6 Months
Women who ONLY breastfeed
Explain each point on this slide.

6. Return to fertility Walk participants through this slide.
Image credit: Holly Blanchard

7. REMEMBER: Key counseling points
After having a baby:
You can become pregnant even if you have not seen your menses yet!
You cannot predict fertility from what happened last time.
Space getting pregnant by at least 2 years after your last baby.
You start having sex again.
Discuss each point with examples as needed.