Dr. Goldberg states that the only method of birth control that is 100% effective is abstinence. Other than that, every method of birth control has a failure rate and this includes using breastfeeding as contraception. If you talk to any doctor they will tell you to definitely use a method of birth control if you do not want to get pregnant while breastfeeding. They say this because conception has happened even when exclusively breastfeeding.
The chances for conception rise if you supplement the feedings with formula or juice. According to Dr. Goldberg studies show that women who breastfeed exclusively, without supplementing with formula, may enjoy a short period of relatively effective contraception, although for no longer than 6 months. He further states that since it is possible to ovulate and therefore become pregnant while breastfeeding, women who use breastfeeding as a method of birth control should not rely on it for more than 6 months. If a breastfeeding mother has a menstrual period before this 6-month time frame, then she should no longer consider herself protected from pregnancy.
If breastfeeding doesn't offer 100% protection from pregnancy, this means that conception can occur while breastfeeding. Dr. Goldberg says that the woman who is exclusively breastfeeding, and who has not had a menstrual cycle, the chance of pregnancy in the first 6 months is 1-2%. However the more a breastfeeding woman supplements her infant with formula, the more likely she is to ovulate and thus become pregnant. This can occur even when no regular menstrual cycle occurs. However, when a cycle does occur the chances of pregnancy are of course much higher.
Given the fact that breastfeeding does not offer 100% protection - even if exclusively breastfeeding, Dr. Goldberg recommends a "back-up" method of birth control in my breastfeeding patients. Several safe contraceptive methods are available for breastfeeding mothers, including the progesterone only birth control pill, Depo-Provera, the IUD, and barrier methods such as condoms.
If a breastfeeding mom does become pregnant Dr. Goldberg says that it is not necessary for her to stop [breastfeeding] immediately. Most experts now agree that it is probably safe to breastfeed throughout pregnancy, and then have two children on the breast after the delivery. This is referred to as "tandem nursing". Of course, simply because something is possible does not mean it must be done, and breastfeeding two infants at once is more than most can tolerate.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Lori Ramsey's Preconception topic, please visit the Discussions page.