Can Breastfeeding Be Used as a Method of Birth Control?
Welcoming a baby into the world is a momentous occasion that brings about significant changes in one’s life. Raising an infant requires a great deal of time and effort, particularly for those who are balancing work and family obligations. Hence, even the most joyful and satisfied parents may prefer to wait some time before having another child.
There is a common belief that breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy. However, the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a method of contraception depends on various factors, and it’s not the whole story.
Breastfeeding can have a contraceptive effect, but it is not 100% reliable as a method of birth control. This method, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), works by suppressing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, through the hormone prolactin, which is produced during breastfeeding. However, for LAM to be effective, certain conditions must be met, including frequent and exclusive breastfeeding, the baby being less than 6 months old, and the mother not experiencing any menstrual periods since giving birth. If any of these conditions are not met, LAM may not be reliable in preventing pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to use additional forms of contraception if you want to prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding.
To determine if this method is right for you, consider if you are willing and able to exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first six months after birth, without mixing in formula or other foods, and if you can nurse every four hours during the day and every six hours overnight. It’s important to note that this method does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and is not suitable for those who wish to combine breast milk and formula or have health problems or use medications that could harm a baby through breast milk.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this site is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.
