Breastfeeding and birth control: What you need to know

Many women believe birth control will lower milk supply, or not work effectively due to breastfeeding. These are common misconceptions. In actuality, there are many safe, effective options of birth control for breastfeeding women. Breastfeeding also reduces the chance of pregnancy. Progestin-only birth control contraceptives will not decrease milk supply in nursing women, therefore progestin-only contraceptives are the preferred choice of birth control for breastfeeding women. Hormonal, estrogen only contraceptives have the potential to decrease milk supply and are not recommended. Progestin-only birth control methods prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), thicken mucus at the cervix so sperm cannot enter the uterus, and in rare cases, prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. For most mothers, progestin-only forms of contraception do not cause problems with milk supply if started after the 6th-8th week postpartum and if given at normal doses. Some examples of progestin based, hormonal contraceptives that are safe for nursing women include mini pills, implants, and shots. Infant Risk Birth Control Kellymom Birth Control and Breastfeeding

Progestin Only Pill (mini pill) The mini pill:

Progestin-only mini-pills come in a monthly pack, with a 30 day supply. To be effective, the pills must be taken at the same time every day. If you take a pill more than 3 hours late: Take it as soon as you remember even if that means you will take 2 pills in one day. Use another method of birth control for the next 48 hours to prevent pregnancy, consider using an emergency contraceptive if you have had sexual intercourse in the past 3 to 5 days.

Depo Provera Shot (depo shot):

The depo shot is made of a hormone similar to progesterone. Your doctor gives you a shot in the arm or buttocks. Each shot works for up to 12 to 14 weeks, but you must get the injection once every 12 weeks to get its full protection.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs):

IUDs safe for breastfeeding include Mirena, Skyla, Paraguard, and Liletta. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped pliable plastic rod with an attached thread, that measures just over an inch long and is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. There are three types of IUDs available today. One type is hormonal and lasts up to five years, the second type delivers a lower dose of hormones and lasts up to the three

Non Hormonal Birth Control Methods:

Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) and the Fertility awareness (also called natural family planning or rhythm method) is a way to predict fertile and infertile times in your cycle. FAM is based on body signs, which change during each menstrual cycle in response to the hormones that cause ovulation (the release of an egg). If you use FAM and don’t want to get pregnant, you must abstain (not have intercourse at all) or use another contraceptive during your fertile times. If 100 couples use FAM for one year, an average of 25 women will become pregnant during that time. If FAM is used correctly, only 1 to 9 will become pregnant in the first year of use. The effectiveness depends on many factors including the regularity of the woman’s menstrual cycle and the ability to use the methods accurately and consistently. For more information, potential side effects and other questions or concerns, speak to your doctor about which birth control option is best for you. Natural Family Planning

Breastfeeding as Birth Control  AKA Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

Breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and thus serve as a form of birth control. When you breastfeed, the same hormones that make milk, called prolactin, also suppress the release of hormones that cause eggs to mature and become fertile and the lining of the womb to nourish fertile eggs. This is why breastfeeding mothers usually notice a delay in the return of their menstrual periods. This delay may be nature’s way of telling you that one baby is all your body can handle right now, and it’s too soon for a sibling. As a natural method of birth control. Studies have shown that women who practice the four steps of LAM will average 14 months before their periods and fertility return. LAM’s effectiveness rate can be as high as 98 percent (similar to artificial methods), but only if you observe the following practices:

• Breastfeed frequently: In order for the level of milk-making hormones to stay high enough to suppress fertility hormones, frequent, unrestricted breastfeeding is necessary. This usually means breastfeeding at least every two to three hours during the day, or as often as baby needs.
• Night nurse: Since fertility hormones tend to be highest during the sleeping hours, it’s also important to keep the milk-making hormones that suppress ovulation high at night. Since co-sleeping babies usually breastfeed more frequently during the night, co sleeping with your baby is one of the most effective ways to delay fertility. Once your baby starts sleeping through the night, the fertility hormones take over and breastfeeding is no longer likely to lead to natural child spacing.
• Avoid bottles and pacifiers. To keep the milk-making hormones high enough to suppress ovulation, it’s important that all of the baby’s sucking be at the breast.
• LAM Method