If you have been following up on the comments of our Mamalettes you would have been able to deduce that breastfeeding is not a reliable form of contraception.
Using breastfeeding as a form of birth control i.e. Lactational Amenorrhea Method can only be effective as a birth control if you follow all the following criteria:
- You breastfeed your baby exclusively
- Your baby is not older than six months
- After giving birth, your menstruation has not returned
- You feed your baby on demand, with no more than four hours interval between the last feed duirng the day, and no longer than six hours interval between the feeds at night.
Many mothers have taken in while breastfeeding and this means that it’s possible for you to get pregnant while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a form of contraception but NOT a reliable form of contraception.
You also need to know that just because your period is delayed doesn’t mean you’ve stopped ovulating. You might be ovulating before you see your first period after delivery.
I’m sure the last thing on your mind after going through childbirth, sleepless nights and your baby’s nightly crying is getting pregnant again. So if you are breastfeeding and have started activities with oga, you are at risk of getting pregnant. To reduce this risk, you need to select an effective method of contraception.
So as a breastfeeding mum, what other contraception options are available to you?
- Abstinence
- Barrier methods
- Implants
- Natural family planning
- The Mini Pill (containing only progestin)
- Progestin Injectible
- Hormonal intrauterine devices
- Non-hormonal Intrauterine devices such as the Copper IUCD
Contraceptive options such as barrier methods (condoms) are a good option for breastfeeding mothers as you don’t have to worry about hormones in your breastmilk.
Before you make any choice on which contraception is best for you, understand how each contraceptive works by asking for clarification at your local family planning clinic.
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