Breastfeeding and Birth Control

From LoveToKnow Baby

Many women have the mistaken impression that they can’t get pregnant if they are nursing a baby. Although this is certainly possible, if you aren’t planning on expanding your family any time soon, and you are nursing a child right now, keep reading for the latest information on breastfeeding and birth control.

Nursing Exclusively

Yes, you can skip birth control if your breastfeeding follows the following standards. This is sometimes referred to as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method.

Your baby is under six months old.
You are nursing exclusively. This means that you do not give your baby any juice, water, or formula, and you limit his pacifier use. In other words, your baby’s sucking needs are met almost entirely by your breastfeeding him, and he does not receive any supplemental feedings.
You are nursing on demand and around the clock. You are nursing your baby at least every four hours during the day and at least every six hours at night.
You have not had any vaginal bleeding after 56 days postpartum.

It is important to emphasize that as soon as a decline in nursing begins, the chance of fertility increases. If you say can say yes to all of the above points, you should have only about a 2% chance of becoming pregnant, but you need to begin planning for birth control before you do become fertile.

Body Changes

While the points that were made above are certainly important in determining the likelihood of pregnancy while nursing, there are other circumstances to consider. Each woman’s body is different, and while some women may not begin their menstrual cycle until their babies are closer to being weaned, other women may begin experiencing periods even though they are nursing around the clock. The first period that you experience may not be due to ovulation, but you should consider it a very important sign that your fertility is back and seek appropriate birth control.

Birth Control Options

Once you’ve reached the point that you know it’s time to choose a birth control method, you need to examine your options.

Condoms-Condoms can be very effective if used properly, and they do not have any affect on breastfeeding. They offer some protection against STDs.
Diaphragm-Diaphragms also have no affect on breastfeeding. They are typically used with a spermicide, and they should be fitted after the uterus has reached its pre-pregnancy size.
IUDs-These also have no affect on breastfeeding, and they should be fitted once the uterus has reached its pre-pregnancy size.
Spermicide-Used in combination with a diaphragm or alone, spermicides are good choice for birth control if used correctly, but they can be irritating to the vagina.
Tubal Ligation-This requires surgery, including anesthesia, which may pass into the breastmilk.
Vasectomy-Pass the buck to your partner, and let him deal with the birth control!
Birth Control Pills-There are birth control pills that can be taken while breastfeeding. These have the progestin only. Birth control pills which contain estrogen can decrease milk supply, so they generally aren’t recommended to nursing mothers.
Norplant and Depo-Provera-These methods have provided success to nursing mothers
Natural Family Planning-You must educate yourself on the signs of fertility, and this method may require long periods of abstinence for you and your partner.