2007-05-24 06:53:15 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It will take longer for your period to come back if you are breastfeeding.
If you meet ALL the following conditions:
- baby is less than 6 mos
- baby is exclusively BF (NOTHING else) and is nursing frequently on cue
- mom's period has not returned
then breastfeeding alone is as effective as condoms for birth control.
2007-05-24 06:58:07 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It is true that breastfeeding can be used as a highly effective form of birth control BUT you must follow the rules -just like any other method of birth control.
Many times people will say breastfeeding is not an effective method as they have friends who got pregnant while breastfeeding. However these friends were more than likely breaking the basic rules about bottle feeding and pacifiers. You wouldn't say condoms are not an effective form of birth control if you knew someone who got pregnant by using condoms -but they placed them in the vagina after sex. Or the old story about the woman using contraceptive jelly on her toast in the morning and getting pregnant.
There is some information on it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactational_Amenorrhea_Method
2007-05-24 07:02:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the woman's body. I have a friend who is having a tough time getting pregnant with a 15 month old still nursing. I got pregnant after trying for 3 months while still nursing my 18 month old 8 times a day. I got pregnant (without trying and on birth control) with #3 while still nursing my 2 year old pretty frequently.
2007-05-24 07:20:46 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer M 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yeah it's harder until you get your period. Doctor's are unsure if women ovulate during the time they are breastfeeding. I have breastfed for 10 months so far and the first 5 I had no period and the last 5 I have. My husband and I tried to start having another one 2 months ago, but my periods are still irregular. ranging from 31-36 days.
2007-05-24 07:06:23 · answer #4 · answered by breisingermela 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is harder, but you should still use some other form of contraception to be safe. I breastfed exclusively and my menses returned @ 8 weeks PP (just before my 8 week checkup so I had to wait another month for BC LOL). Better safe than sorry. And even if you don't have a menstrual cycle, you may still be ovulating. And vice versa.
You can actually ovulate as soon as 2 weeks PP and not even know it. That's why you have to be oh so careful.
2007-05-24 07:14:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
NO NO NO. Breastfeeding supresses ovulation (similar to taking the pill), but it's NOT GUARANTEED to. I know *plenty* of women who became pregnant while breastfeeding. Plus, you're hyper-fertile just after giving birth. Either refrain from sex for a while, or use multiple forms of birth control.
2007-05-24 07:58:04 · answer #6 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is harder for some women, but not all.
My period came back at 9 weeks post partum. And many women ovulate before they get their first period back.
2007-05-24 07:26:47 · answer #7 · answered by Heather R 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i did it with my 3 baby and i didn't get pregnant, the problem as soon as i stooped i got pregnant the month after with my 4 baby. so it does work but you have to be careful
2007-05-24 07:04:37 · answer #8 · answered by V 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I got pregnant while nursing my one year old. As soon as baby starts taking solids (around six months or later), you can get pregnant.
2007-05-24 07:00:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes breastfeeding is a 99% effective form of contriceptive MOST of the time. But I would always use some other form of birth control just incase. Breastfeeding delays you menstration until you stop breastfeeding. It also allows your uterus to return to normal more quickly and help you to lose weight faster.
2007-05-24 06:59:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋