HELP- TTC While Breastfeeding??

My son is 9 months old and breastfeeds on demand in addition to eating solids- hubby and I really wanted kids close together so we have been TTC for the past 3 months but I don't think it counts at all since my cycle hasn't returned. How long did it take for your cycles to return after giving birth, and is there anything other than weaning completely that I can do to kick start it? Also, I've seen people on here using ovulation test strips, does anyone know if these can work to catch your first ovulation before menstruation begins again? Thanks so much!