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Why Is Breastfeeding Not That Effective In Birth Control?


We live in an era of information overload. For every piece of reliable information, there are 10 other myths that fool people on a daily basis. Wherever you go, be it any field, any niche, there will be experts giving out the necessary information and then there will be quacks who try to promote false information under the name of facts.


While this is prevalent almost everywhere, in some fields, misinformation is more prevalent and is more dangerous than it is in other fields. The spheres of sex education and post-natal care are such sensitive fields, regarding which very little factual information is presented to the general public.


Hence, the chances of misinformation spreading is very high. So here are some of the most asked questions about breastfeeding and pregnancy contraceptive pills.


How Effective Is Breastfeeding As A Birth Control Method?

  • One can use breastfeeding as natural birth control after childbirth but there are more factors involved in that. Breastfeeding inhibits conception by suppressing the hormones essential for ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). The chemicals that inhibit ovulation can be stimulated by a baby's constant sucking.


  • There will be no pregnancy if the body does not produce eggs. As a result, nursing is an effective method of birth control. Lactational amenorrhea is a natural method of contraception that involves regular and frequent nursing (LAM). Only if women obey or satisfy the numerous requirements is LAM very effective, i.e. 98 percent effective.


  • If a mother is within six months of delivery, hasn't had monthlies, and the baby is solely eating on breast milk - no formula or other soft food supplements - breastfeeding may help prevent pregnancy.


  • Breastfeeding must meet all three of these characteristics in order to be an effective method of contraception. Ovulation can occur in all other circumstances, including while a woman is nursing. There are a lot of misunderstandings about birth control and breastfeeding. Even if she is nursing her child, a mother might still become pregnant.


Do you need birth control while breastfeeding?

  • If the mother breastfeeds exclusively (only giving your infant breast milk) and the kid is under 6 months old, they're unlikely to have any periods. As a result, some women utilize nursing as a natural method of contraception. The lactational amenorrhoea technique, or LAM, is used to achieve this.


  • Even if you're nursing and your periods haven't resumed, you can become pregnant as soon as 3 weeks following the birth of your child. It's critical to use some form of contraception every time you have sex after giving birth, even the first time unless you want to become pregnant again.


  • So yes, breastfeeding as birth control can work but it's not effective all the time. Before you leave the hospital after your baby is delivered, and again at your postnatal check, you'll generally have the opportunity to discuss contraception. At any time, you can speak with your GP or health visitor, or visit a family planning clinic.


What Is The Only 100% Effective Birth Control Method?


1. IUD

  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most effective birth control on the market, with a success rate of over 99 percent. IUDs are a type of reversible long-acting contraception (LARC). Hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs are the two types of IUDs available.


  • Both of these contraceptives are only available with a prescription. Progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, is used in hormonal IUDs. To keep sperm from reaching your uterus, the hormone thickens your cervical mucus.


2. Mini-pill

  • The hormones estrogen and progestin are combined in traditional birth control tablets. When utilizing combo tablets, some women may suffer a decrease in milk production and, as a result, a shorter nursing period. Estrogen is considered to be the basis of the problem.


  • The mini-pill is an alternative if you want to take an oral contraceptive. Because this tablet only includes progestin, it is thought to be safer for nursing moms. The pill is usually only accessible with a prescription, however, in some places, it is available over the counter (OTC).


  • You won't get a monthly period since each tablet in a 28-pill box includes progestin. While your body adjusts, you may have spotting or irregular bleeding. You can also ask your doctor to provide you birth control pills while breastfeeding that suit your body and health.


3. Barrier Methods

  • A barrier technique prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing the egg, as the term indicates. There are several choices available, all of them are over-the-counter. What's the best part?


  • After your kid is born, you can begin utilizing barrier techniques as soon as you are cleared for sexual intercourse. There are no hormones in these techniques, so they won't affect your milk production. That is why it is considered the best birth control while breastfeeding, it is safe, toxin-free, and easy to use.


  • Condoms are around 98 percent effective when used "exactly." This necessitates the use of a condom at all times, from beginning to end. In other words, there is no genital touch prior to the use of a condom. During intercourse, perfect usage also implies that the condom does not tear or slide off.


The Bottom Line

  • Whether you're nursing or not, your fertility can return at any moment after you birth your kid. Breastfeeding alone decreases the risk of pregnancy by a small amount for the first six months, and only if done exclusively every four to six hours.


  • You can talk to your doctor about a variety of birth control alternatives. It's up to you to decide which one is best for you. Breastfeeding moms should generally avoid birth control that contains estrogen since it can affect their milk supply.


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