You've heard breastfeeding suppresses fertility. Yet many of us know at least one woman with children less than a year apart. Is breastfeeding really an effective form of contraception?
To answer this question, the World Health Organization and other groups of scientists have conducted and reviewed studies to determine the efficacy of breastfeeding in preventing pregnancy (known as LAM, or Lactational Amenorrhea Method of birth control). Scientists have concluded that breastfeeding is 98 percent effective, if three criteria are met:
- You must be fully or nearly fully breastfeeding. This means you participate in night feedings, avoid formula supplements, and don't have long intervals between feeding times.
- You have not resumed your menstrual periods. Any kind of vaginal bleeding after the 56th postpartum day is a warning that fertility has returned.
- Your infant must be younger than six months.
If you want to be doubly sure you don't get pregnant, consider using a barrier form of birth control along with breastfeeding.
When the Criteria Aren't Met
Any disruption in feeding – such as returning to work, introducing other food or drink to the baby’s diet, or having the baby sleep through the night – eliminates the protective effects of breastfeeding.
Even if you continue to nurse your baby beyond six months, your chances of getting pregnant are greatly increased – even if your period hasn't resumed. Once you show signs of beginning your menstrual cycle, you cannot depend on breastfeeding as a form of contraceptive.
You should consider breastfeeding a temporary form of birth control, and be prepared to implement other methods:
- Barrier (condoms or diaphragm)
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Sterilization (male or female)
- Progestin hormones (Contraceptive pills containing estrogen have been associated with reduction in breast milk production.)
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