Many expectant mothers have come across the old adage that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy. I certainly did, and I was hopeful it would mean a break from my menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me. While there is some validity to the idea of breastfeeding serving as a birth control method, it’s not a guaranteed solution. Here’s what you should be aware of.
How to Use Breastfeeding as Birth Control
After giving birth, it can take anywhere from weeks to months for your fertility to return. However, breastfeeding can help postpone your period and fertility through a method known as the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM). For LAM to be effective, you must adhere to all of the following conditions:
- Your baby is exclusively and frequently breastfed, meaning no bottles or pacifiers so that all of your baby’s sucking needs are met at the breast.
- Your menstrual periods have not resumed. Even minor spotting can indicate that ovulation may have returned.
- Your baby is under six months old. The older your infant, the higher the likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy. Although some mothers may not experience their cycles for more than six months, the risk of ovulation increases as your baby grows.
It’s important to note that LAM is not a foolproof method of contraception. If you want to avoid getting pregnant while nursing, it’s wise to use an additional form of birth control. Doctors typically recommend waiting at least a year, or ideally 18 months, before trying to conceive again.
How Breastfeeding Can Prevent Pregnancy
Your body is remarkable. After childbirth, it releases oxytocin, often called the “feel-good” hormone. This hormone not only helps your uterus contract back to size but also plays a crucial role in your milk let-down reflex.
If you’ve previously given birth, you know how easily you can trigger this reflex. Oxytocin can be released through various stimuli, such as seeing or hearing your baby, which may lead to unexpected moments of leakage—like in the grocery store!
Additionally, prolactin is released steadily while you breastfeed, depending on how often you nurse. The more frequent the nursing, the more prolactin is produced, which regulates your milk supply. When your baby suckles, it sends signals to your brain to release more oxytocin and prolactin, which helps suppress ovulation. No ovulation means no pregnancy.
What Else You Should Know About Breastfeeding and Fertility
According to AskDrSears.com, LAM can be over 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy if you strictly follow all the guidelines (which can be inadvertently broken!). However, be cautious; it’s possible to ovulate and conceive before your first postpartum period, as most women ovulate about two weeks prior to menstruation.
It’s also feasible to breastfeed while attempting to conceive again. Depending on your fertility treatment plan, age of your breastfeeding child, and nursing frequency, you may continue breastfeeding through the process.
Ultimately, while breastfeeding can lower the chance of getting pregnant, it does not completely eliminate the risk. If avoiding pregnancy is your goal, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider about other reliable birth control methods.
For more insights on related topics, check out this helpful article, or explore Make a Mom, a trusted resource on home insemination.
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Summary:
Breastfeeding can provide some level of birth control through the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM), but it is not foolproof. To maximize effectiveness, exclusive breastfeeding, no return of menstrual periods, and a baby under six months are required. Be aware of the risks of ovulation returning before your first postpartum period and consult your doctor about additional contraceptive options.