Many expectant mothers have come across the old adage that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy. I certainly did, and I hoped it would mean a welcome break from my menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, that was not my experience. While there is some validity to the idea of breastfeeding as a contraceptive approach, it’s not entirely reliable. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Use Breastfeeding as Birth Control
After giving birth, it may take a few weeks, months, or longer for your fertility to return. However, breastfeeding can help delay your period and fertility through a natural birth control method known as the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM). For LAM to be effective, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Your baby is exclusively breastfed and does not use bottles or pacifiers. This ensures that all sucking needs are met at the breast.
- Your menstrual cycles have not resumed. Spotting may indicate that ovulation has begun, meaning your fertility could be back to normal.
- Your baby is under six months old. The likelihood of ovulating increases as your baby grows. While some mothers may not see their cycles return for over six months, the risk of ovulation rises as time goes on.
It’s important to recognize that LAM is not a guaranteed method of birth control. If you wish to avoid another pregnancy while nursing, it’s best to consider additional contraceptive options. According to health experts, women are generally advised to wait a full year, and ideally 18 months, before trying to conceive again.
How Breastfeeding Can Help Prevent Pregnancy
Your body is remarkably designed. After childbirth, it releases oxytocin, known as the “feel-good” hormone. This hormone not only aids in uterine contraction but also influences your milk let-down reflex.
If you’ve experienced childbirth, you know how easily this reflex can be triggered. Just seeing, touching, or hearing your baby can lead to milk leakage—an experience many mothers can relate to. Prolactin is another hormone that plays a crucial role; its levels rise as you nurse, and the frequency of breastfeeding directly affects its production. Prolactin regulates your milk supply and additionally inhibits ovulation by sending signals to suppress the hormones responsible for it. Thus, without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur.
Additional Insights on Breastfeeding and Fertility
According to sources like AskDrSears.com, LAM can be over 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, as long as you adhere strictly to the guidelines—though these can be easily overlooked! Always remain vigilant, as you could ovulate before your first postpartum period, typically occurring about two weeks before menstruation.
It is possible to continue breastfeeding while trying to conceive your next child. Depending on your treatment plan and the age of your child, you might even be able to nurse through fertility treatments.
In conclusion, yes, you can become pregnant while breastfeeding. Relying solely on breastfeeding for birth control is not completely effective. If you want to avoid another pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor about suitable contraceptive methods.
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