Breastfeeding ‘can’ be a contraceptive but don’t count on it

IT is one of the most asked questions at pre-natal classes but the concept is also misunderstood by many. So what’s the truth?

Many issues can alter breastfeeding as contraception

There is a two per cent failure rate when using exclusively breastfeeding as a contraceptive method, but it does generally work when:

— Your baby is less than six months old.

— Your baby is still consistently night feeding — there should be no long periods of time between breastfeeds.

— Your periods have not begun again since the birth of your baby.

Once one of these conditions alters, you can no longer count on breastfeeding to work as an effective contraceptive.

CONTRACEPTION AND BREASTFEEDING

It is safe to breastfeed and take contraception that contains the hormone progesterone, which includes the mini pill, Depo-Provera or Implanon. It won’t affect your breast milk supply and is safe to take while you breastfeed as the tiny quantity of hormone that goes into your breast milk will have no effect on your breastfed baby.

— This style of contraception can be started straight after the birth of your baby.

— The combined oral contraceptive pills shouldn’t be used while you breastfeed as they can have an impact on your milk supply.

— As condoms are a barrier contraceptive, they are a good choice for breastfeeding mothers as they have no impact on your body or your milk supply.

— Using a diaphragm after birth can be ineffective because of possible stretching of the pelvic floor.

-With Kidspot