Breastfeeding and Birth Control

Breastfeeding mothers should learn how taking birth control can affect their breast milk and their baby. There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding what kind of birth control to use while nursing.

Should you use birth control while breastfeeding?

You should use a form of birth control if you don't want to become pregnant. Breastfeeding can be considered birth control for the first six months if you breastfeed exclusively. Women are encouraged to give their body a year of rest between pregnancies, for the health of both the baby and the mother.

What birth control is best while breastfeeding?

Non-hormonal options such as condoms, the copper IUD (ParaGuard), and withdrawal (pull out method) are the best options for birth control while nursing. These won't interfere with your breast milk supply. It is normal for breastfeeding women to need extra lubrication during sex, so keep this in mind.

What birth control methods should be avoided while breastfeeding?

At least for the first two months up to six months after giving birth you should avoid hormonal birth control, as these can interfere with your breast milk supply. Other concerns with hormonal birth control include passing the hormones to your baby through the breast milk. With the lack of sleep common to mothers of newborns, it can be difficult to remember to take a pill at the same time every day.

Isn't breastfeeding birth control?

Breastfeeding may help to prevent pregnancy in the first six months only if you are breastfeeding exclusively. The rate of pregnancy when using breastfeeding as birth control correctly is about 1 in 100, according to Planned Parenthood. To consider using breastfeeding as birth control as effective the mother must exclusively breastfeed around the clock.

Planned Parenthood describes continuous breastfeeding as being at least once every four hours during the day and every six hours at night. Their website states that continuous breastfeeding is effective as birth control for the first six months as long as the mother has not had a period since giving birth and does not supplement with other foods. Breastfeeding as birth control is only effective the first six months, after this point another birth control method should be used.

What if I get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Once you become pregnant, if you are still breastfeeding, you'll notice a reduction in breast milk supply. If you choose to continue the pregnancy, you may try to continue breastfeeding, but most likely you will need to supplement with formula or cows milk(after baby is at least one year old).

Find the birth control method that will work for you while nursing your baby. All women are different and will have different needs.

Sources:

Breastfeeding- Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/breastfeeding-4219.htm