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Breastfeeding
And Birth Control
by Pamela Kock
If you’ve recently given birth, preventing a subsequent pregnancy is probably
the last thing on your mind. It’s never too soon to start thinking about birth
control, however. Here’s a summary of birth control options, and the things to
consider for each.
Breastfeeding as Birth Control
After childbirth, most women will have a brief intermission before their periods
return. This is usually much longer for women who are nursing a baby. This is
called lactational amennorhea, and can last quite a long time – months, or even
years! The Lactation Amennorhea Method of birth control is 98% effective when
the following conditions are met:
-
Periods have not
yet returned (spotting during the first two months doesn’t count).
-
The baby is
exclusively breastfed, with no supplementation.
-
The baby is less
than six months old.
Effectiveness
of the LAM method drops if the baby receives supplementation of any kind during
this time, either by formula or solid foods. The interval between feedings
should not be any longer than four hours during the day, and six hours during
the night. For further information about the LAM method, visit the
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
site.
“Rhythm Method” or Natural Family Planning
Breastfeeding
disrupts the signs and symptoms of fertility, and can cause periods to be very
irregular. Charting temperature fluctuations to determine fertile times may be
extremely difficult. Therefore, these methods are generally not recommended
while breastfeeding.
Barrier Methods
Condoms are the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases, and are
completely safe for use while nursing. Diaphragms are also safe and effective,
but should be re-fitted following childbirth. They are most effective when
combined with a spermicidal foam or gel, which is also safe while nursing.
IUD
IUD’s are generally considered safe while nursing, as long as they contain no
hormones.
Hormonal Implants (such as Norplant®) or Injectables (such as Depo-Provera®)
Implants and injectable birth control medications are generally considered safe
while nursing, but can in some cases reduce the milk supply. It’s best to wait
at least six weeks before using them. Before choosing, consider the fact that
injectable birth control is effective at least three months at a time. If it
does cause a decrease in milk supply, it cannot be stopped or removed.
Oral Contraceptives
Birth control pills come in two basic varieties. The combined form (the
“regular” pill) contains estrogen and often reduces the milk supply markedly.
The estrogen can also transfer to the baby in mother’s milk, so it’s usually not
recommended for use during breastfeeding. The “minipill”, however, only contains
progesterone, and is less likely to reduce the milk supply. This formulation is
generally safe while nursing, though women must be careful to take it exactly as
directed, within one hour of the same time each day.
Each option has its share of benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to discuss the
choices with your caregiver, to determine the method that is best for you.
Pamela Kock is a
freelance writer from Ohio.
Contact her
or visit her
website.
©Pamela Kock
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