Is Breastfeeding as Birth Control Right for Me?
All of us who need birth control want to find the method that is best for us. And every woman has different needs when choosing a method. Women who have just given birth may use continuous breastfeeding as a method of birth control. Whether you're thinking about breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy, you're already breastfeeding, you're a concerned partner, or you're just someone who's curious about it, you may have many questions.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear women ask about using breastfeeding as birth control. We hope the answers help you decide if it is right for you.
Highlights
How Is Breastfeeding Used as Birth Control?
Breastfeeding can be used as birth control when, after giving birth, a woman breastfeeds her baby exclusively. That means the baby does not drink anything besides breast milk. The act of breastfeeding naturally changes a woman's hormones so that she does not become pregnant.
How Does Breastfeeding Prevent Pregnancy?
While a woman is continuously breastfeeding, her body does not make a hormone that is necessary for ovulation — the release of an egg from an ovary. Pregnancy cannot happen if an egg is not released.
How Effective Is Using Breastfeeding as Birth Control?
Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Like all birth control methods, breastfeeding is much more effective when you do it correctly.
- About 2 out of 100 women who use continuous breastfeeding will become pregnant in the first six months if they don't always practice it correctly.
- Less than 1 out of 100 women who practice continuous breastfeeding perfectly will become pregnant.
Using breastfeeding as birth control can be effective for six months after delivery only if a woman
- does not substitute other foods for a breast milk meal
- feeds her baby at least every four hours during the day and every six hours at night
- has not had a period since she delivered her baby
Keep in mind that breastfeeding does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk of infection.
Also keep in mind that breastfeeding can only be relied on for six months after delivery. By the time your baby is six months old, you should start using another birth control method.
How Safe Is Breastfeeding?
Using breastfeeding as birth control is safe — there are no side effects.
What Are the Benefits of Using Breastfeeding as Birth Control?
Breastfeeding is safe, simple, and convenient.
Using breastfeeding as birth control has advantages for mothers. It
- does not affect a woman's natural hormone balance
- is immediately effective
- is free
- requires no prescription
- needs nothing to be put in place before vaginal intercourse
- reduces bleeding after delivery
- requires no supplies or medical supervision
Breastfeeding also has many health advantages for the baby. It
- decreases the likelihood of infection from germs in water, other milk, or formula
- increases body contact and enhances comfort for the child and bonding between mother and child
- passes on some of the mother's antibodies to protect the baby from certain infections
- protects against the development of allergies and may protect against the development of asthma
- provides the best nutrition
What Are the Disadvantages of Using Breastfeeding as Birth Control?
Many of us like to weigh the benefits against the risks of using a type of birth control. Now that you're familiar with the benefits, let's look at the possible disadvantages.
- Breastfeeding may make the breast seem less sexual.
- Breastfeeding may diminish vaginal lubrication.
- It can be difficult to exclusively breastfeed.
- It can be relied on for only six months.
How Do I Start Breastfeeding?
Many mothers begin breastfeeding shortly after giving birth. If you have problems with breastfeeding, get help as soon as possible so that lactation is not interrupted. A doctor, nurse, or midwife can help. Some women get help from a lactation expert. La Leche League can also help you find information and resources to help you breastfeed.
Published: 06.25.08 | Updated: 06.25.08
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