Monday, August 31, 2009

Birth Control

 

Breastfeeding is sometimes used as a method of birth control.

  • But only if baby is exclusively breastfeed (i.e nothing other than breastmilk is given to your child)
  • Only if baby is under six month’s of age
  • Only if mother’s menstrual cycle has not yet started back again after labour

This method is not 100% reliable. You could still get pregnant even if you are breastfeeding as ovulation can occur before your period starts back.

A more reliable method of birth control is the "mini-pill" contraceptive prescribed by your doctor which is a progestogen-only pill .

Avoid contraceptive pills containing oestrogen while you are breastfeeding.

For more information, you may be best to speak with your doctor or midwife.  A midwife can usually prescribe contraception (pills and condoms) while you are still under her care, when baby is under six months.