Even if your period does not return while breastfeeding, it is still possible to conceive. The absence of menstruation does not mean that you will not ovulate. Therefore, some form of birth control should be used once you have been given the okay by your doctor to resume sexual activity.
The chances of getting pregnant while breastfeeding and menstruation has not returned range somewhere between one and two percent for the first six months of breastfeeding. After your baby turns six months, the chances of conceiving while breastfeeding (with no menstruation) goes up.
Using breastfeeding as an exclusive form of birth control is known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). While many advocate this as an effective form of birth control when done correctly, some women find it difficult or are uncomfortable following all the necessary guidelines, like no pacifier use and nursing frequently for long periods of time. For this reason, doctors often recommend another method of birth control to be used in conjunction with LAM.
Methods of Birth Control
Breastfeeding women have several options for birth control. Most doctors do not recommend using hormonal birth control that combines estrogen and progesterone, because it may decrease supply. This leaves barrier methods and progestin-only birth control as methods.
These methods of birth control can be taken in the form of:
Condoms
Progestin-only birth control pills ("mini pill")
Progestin-only implants
Progestin-only injections
IUDs (intrauterine devices)
Diaphragms
Cervical caps
Sterilization
Depending on the method of birth control you choose, you may have to wait several weeks before being able to use your first choice. Most doctors require a waiting period of four to six weeks before having intercourse or inserting anything into the vagina after birth.
To learn more about breastfeeding and menstruation, speak to a lactation consultant at your clinic or hospital. Talk to your doctor about the best method of birth control to use while you nurse your child
The chances of getting pregnant while breastfeeding and menstruation has not returned range somewhere between one and two percent for the first six months of breastfeeding. After your baby turns six months, the chances of conceiving while breastfeeding (with no menstruation) goes up.
Using breastfeeding as an exclusive form of birth control is known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). While many advocate this as an effective form of birth control when done correctly, some women find it difficult or are uncomfortable following all the necessary guidelines, like no pacifier use and nursing frequently for long periods of time. For this reason, doctors often recommend another method of birth control to be used in conjunction with LAM.
Methods of Birth Control
Breastfeeding women have several options for birth control. Most doctors do not recommend using hormonal birth control that combines estrogen and progesterone, because it may decrease supply. This leaves barrier methods and progestin-only birth control as methods.
These methods of birth control can be taken in the form of:
Condoms
Progestin-only birth control pills ("mini pill")
Progestin-only implants
Progestin-only injections
IUDs (intrauterine devices)
Diaphragms
Cervical caps
Sterilization
Depending on the method of birth control you choose, you may have to wait several weeks before being able to use your first choice. Most doctors require a waiting period of four to six weeks before having intercourse or inserting anything into the vagina after birth.
To learn more about breastfeeding and menstruation, speak to a lactation consultant at your clinic or hospital. Talk to your doctor about the best method of birth control to use while you nurse your child
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