Breastfeeding, if done right, can serve as contraception.
In the first six months after birth, breastfeeding provides many benefits to the new mum and her baby and serving as an effective contraception is one of these benefits.Â
How does it work? Breastfeeding as contraceptionÂ
- As a baby nurses, a hormone called prolactin is triggered to increase in the mum. This hormone ensures an ongoing milk supply for baby, and suppresses the other hormones that lead to ovulation in mum.
- Breastfeeding as an effective contraception in only about 98% effective if these are in place –
- It has been less than six months since the baby was born;
- the baby is only nursing (that means no formula, bottles, or food);
- and your period has not started again.
- If breastfeeding is not exclusive, then ovulation can start up to 3 weeks after the birth of the baby and you can get pregnant again.Â
- The period of breastfeeding as a form of contraception is not as effective after the first six months.
