2006-07-25 19:56:41 · 16 answers · asked by Rebecca R 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
No, it is *not* true. If you breastfeed *exclusively* for at least 6 months, you are *likely* to go 6-12 months or longer without a period. If, however, you continue to nurse, you will probably have a period before you wean. And if you give solids before baby is ready, or give bottles or pacifiers, then you may get your period back prematurely.
Further, *if* you are exclusively nursing and haven't gotten your period back, breastfeeding is extremely effective as a method of birth control for the first 6 months. Only a very small number of women ovulate before their first period, giving you 98% protection from pregnancy during that time. This is known as the lactation amenorrhea method of birth control. Again, it will only be effective if you nurse exclusively.
2006-07-25 20:10:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Women all over the world use LAM as a means of birth control. It's used for family spacing as well. Most doctors agree that fertility is so suppressed while breastfeeding that no artificial bc is needed until 6 months postpartum. This is true ONLY if you are exclusively breastfeeding, no supplements at all, and nurse on demand, including frequent feedings at night. This is your body's natural birth control, understanding that your resources need to be directed to your baby right now, rather than allowing you to be fertile again.
In countries where breastfeeding is the norm and babies are allowed to wean as they are ready, the normal spacing between children is 2.5-3.5 years.
Most US doctors agree that some back up form of bc should be used after the 6th month postpartum for breastfeeding mothers, even though fertility is still greatly suppressed.
In my own experiences, I became fertile 16 months postpartum, without having a period (I am definitely in the minority in that regard), and with my second child, I started having periods again 14 months postpartum.
2006-07-26 08:55:39 · answer #2 · answered by mylittletribe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what. Everybody is different. I HIGHLY recommend breastfeeding. It's the best thing to do for you and your baby, even if it gets difficult sometimes, which it will. Okay, enough of that!
I don't start my period while I'm breastfeeding for over a year! I breastfed my first baby until she was 19 months old and I'd only had three periods by then, right before then. Then I found out I was pregnant!
I didn't use birthcontrol and was fine, we just stuck with condoms.
So, you really don't know what your body will do until you give it a good, long try yourself.
Don't let these other ladies discourage you!
Good luck!
2006-07-26 06:14:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hormones that are released during breast feeding can delay one's period from starting. However, this does not always happen. Do not count on breast feeding as a form of birth control!
2006-07-26 03:01:27 · answer #4 · answered by karinlovespooh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally.. I don't menstrate while breast feeding.. I am one of the lucky few though.. My kids all had to be completely weaned before my cycle came back.. not sure how I lucked out.. but so glad I did. BUT.. I did get pregnant while nursing my first.. so learned it isn't effective birth control...
2006-07-26 03:56:12 · answer #5 · answered by walkietalkiethree2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the woman. My daughter is 11 months and mine has not come back yet *YAY!*. Usually when the night feedings stop you get your cycle back.
2006-07-26 08:35:35 · answer #6 · answered by all_my_armour_falling_down 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no not always but it is for some people cuz i know none of my aunts had there menstrual cycle will they breast feed any of there babies
2006-07-26 03:06:23 · answer #7 · answered by aprils242001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't have one until I slowed way down on breast feeding. But I have heard of women who have had theirs start. I actually was thankful for the break. I am sick of my period!
2006-07-26 03:02:08 · answer #8 · answered by h.e. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it is true for every woman but I have breastfed all 3 of my children and I had my periods during that time. I also had people tell me I wouldn't get my period then but I always did.
2006-07-26 03:03:57 · answer #9 · answered by kimnwi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cousin is breast feeding and complaining about her period at the same time, cause she's on it now. So I guess the answer is no.
2006-07-26 02:59:56 · answer #10 · answered by NVgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋