Which statement about postpartum ovulation timing for lactating clients is true?

• A. Ovulation occurs immediately after delivery.
• B. Lactating clients ovulate in their seventh month postpartum on average.
• C. Lactating clients ovulate in their sixth month postpartum on average.
• D. Ovulation never occurs during lactation.

Answer: (C)

Lactation often delays ovulation because frequent breastfeeding keeps prolactin high, which suppresses the hypothalamic release of GnRH. With less GnRH, there’s less stimulation of the ovaries to release eggs, so the return of ovulation is postponed during the period of lactational amenorrhea.

On average, ovulation returns around six months postpartum for women who are exclusively breastfeeding, though there is considerable individual variation based on how often and how long the baby feeds. This makes the statement about six months the most accurate general description.

It’s not immediate after delivery, and lactation doesn’t guarantee that ovulation will never occur—some women may ovulate earlier or later depending on feeding patterns.