Contraception and breastfeeding

Contraception as well as life style during breastfeeding does have its peculiarities. Some methods of contraception are allowed in this period while others are not because of their ineffectiveness or because of possible risks.

Lactational amenorrhea (absence of periods during breastfeeding)

Prolactin (the hormone that is associated with lactation) prevents the egg from being released from an ovary. This implies that ovulation does not occur, and the egg is not prepared for conception.

Keep in mind that this method can be used only if

• if you don't have periods
• your child is less than 6 months old
• the child is exclusively or almost exclusively breastfed
• the breaks between feedings are not more than 3 hours during the day and 6 hours at night
• breastfeeding was started within an hour after childbirth
• the mother does not feed the child with expressed breast milk

If all these conditions are not present, than you cannot use this method.

Natural methods of contraception (coitus interruptus, calendar method, basal body temperature charting, cervical mucus monitoring )

All these methods should not be used during puerperal period due to some changes in hormonal and other systems. These changes are caused by childbirth, breast-feeding and stress.

Barrier methods of contraception

These methods can be used as they are effective, do not affect lactation and can prevent some infections. Keep in mind that female barrier contraceptives cannot be used before six weeks after childbirth.

Spermicides (foams, pills and others)

Spermicides, if used correctly are 80 percent effective. They do not affect lactation and health of mother and child. Spermicides envelop the neck of the womb and chemical agents that are contained in spermicidal foams, jellies and other chemical contraceptives destroy sperm. As well spermicides help to cope with vaginal dryness that is common for breastfeeding women.

Birth-control pills

Combined birth control pills cannot be used during breastfeeding as these are linked to low milk supply and shorter duration of breastfeeding.

A mother who breastfeeds can use progesterone only pills. These contain small amount of gestagen. Progesterone only pills alter the cervical mucus so that the later becomes very thick. It makes a barrier for sperm and prevents it from contact with the egg.

Progesterone only pills do not affect the amount and the quality of milk. These pills can be taken from the third week after childbirth. Keep in mind that these pills must be taken daily at the same time, without breaks.

Hormonal injections and implants

These can be used in 6 weeks after childbirth. These contraceptives do not affect lactation. 99 % effectiveness.

Intrauterine devices

Intrauterine devices, included hormonal ones, do not affect lactation. However, keep in mind that these cannot fall out if adjusted immediately after childbirth, so this procedure should be done in 6-8 weeks after childbirth.