Breastfeeding and birth control

Many mothers are under the misconception that breastfeeding will provide a 100% efficient form of birth control. However, you may be surprised to know that you can still get pregnant while breastfeeding and mothers with children who have short age gaps are testament to this.  Breastfeeding promotes the hormone prolactin which aids in preventing ovulation and helps to make it more difficult for the egg to fertilise the sperm, but this is no guarantee that you will not get pregnant. 

When breastfeeding is effective after birth

There are some circumstances when breastfeeding can be effective as a contraceptive, as per the following factors:

  • A mother who is breastfeeding day and night is more protected against getting pregnant.
  • The baby is younger than 6 months old.
  • The mother has not resumed her menstrual periods.
  • The mother is not supplementing feeds with bottle milk.

You can discuss this matter with your doctor who will be able to offer more detailed advice concerning breastfeeding as contraception.

Fertility and breastfeeding

Some women’s periods resume after birth in as little as three months, however some mothers may find that they go without a period for up to two years. This could be due to amount of hours spent breastfeeding and whether you have been breastfeeding too regularly or supplementing feeds.  The first period normally comes without ovulation, a warning sign that ovulation may soon return.  Any bleeding that occurs may be a sign that the mother’s fertility is returning.  Many mothers do have irregular periods while breastfeeding their baby, however if you do not want to get pregnant again you may need additional contraceptives.

Contraceptives for breastfeeding mothers

There are many forms of birth control you can take to ensure you won’t become pregnant again in the near future. Any birth control method should be discussed with your doctor who will be able to recommend contraception according to your individual circumstances.  Birth control methods you may want to consider include:

  • Condoms – This can be a very effective method but it is important to know how to use it correctly.  Condoms are readily available and can be purchased from most pharmacies and supermarkets.  Condoms have no effect on breastfeeding and are a safe option to use if you are apprehensive about taking contraceptive pills.
  • Spermicide – Some couples may use spermicide, a safe option for mothers as there are no consequences to breastfeeding.  You will need to follow the instructions carefully as it may cause irritation to your male partner.
  • Contraceptive coils (IUD) – Contraceptive coils can be an effective method of birth control.  The IUD is a small coil inserted into your womb which helps to prevent pregnancy and ovulation. It can prevent your partner’s sperm from entering the womb and is an effective and popular contraceptive system.
  • Oral Contraceptives – Oral contraceptives are a popular method of birth control which come in the form of a combined pill or mini pill.  Oral contraceptives may decrease your milk and the hormones may secrete into a mother’s milk.  Other side effects may include less milk supply, which can affect your baby’s weight so it is important to monitor his/her weight closely.
  • Permanent birth control – Permanent birth control methods can guarantee that you will not fall pregnant again and have no side effects while breastfeeding. Permanent birth control methods range from vasectomies to tubal ligation.

What should I do if I want to use birth control while breastfeeding?

If you want to use a form of birth control while breastfeeding you can discuss options with your doctor or a health visitor, who will be able to give further information on birth control and what works best according to your individual circumstances.

Breastfeeding:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

Related Guides

Medic8® Guides

© Medic8® | All Rights Reserved
We have updated our cookie policy to reflect new guidelines. I agree I want to learn more