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| Breastfeeding | ||
| Menstruation and ovulation are suppressed in a nursing mother. The return of the monthly cycle varies among women (remember, a woman can ovulate before her period resumes). Almost half of nursing women will ovulate by 12 weeks. | ||
Breastfeeding can be effective birth control if certain conditions are in place (see LAM below). NOTE: As soon as any of these conditions change, another form of contraception must be in place. Lactation Anovulation (or amenorrhea) Method (LAM): hormone free, no cost, effective when used properly (2% chance of pregnancy with LAM, same as with oral contraceptives). |
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LAM can be used for the first 6 months post-partum as long as mother is amenorrheic and fully or nearly fully breastfeeding (that is, she feeds at least 10 times each 24 hours for at least 10 minutes each time, giving less than 30% supplemental food).
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Hormonal Methods |
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Use with lubricants to offset vaginal dryness that is often present in nursing moms. |
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Progestin-only pills: start at 6 weeks post-partum for fully breastfeeding moms, 3 weeks for moms feeding less than 100% breast milk. Can switch to combined estrogen and progestin pill or the EVRA® Patch after 3 to 6 months of breastfeeding if desired (when breastfeeding is well established). |
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Emergency Contraception Pills (Morning After Pills): can be given if nursing is well established. |
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| Depo Provera™: can be injected as soon as breastfeeding begins or before leaving the hospital.
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Barrier Methods |
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Most commonly used with breastfeeding. |
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Spermicidal foams and jellies (can be used immediately), diaphragms (can be used after 6 weeks), cervical caps (can be used in 6-12 weeks), male and female condoms (can be used immediately), sponges (can be used after 6 weeks). |
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Relatively inexpensive, no side effects. |
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Foams and jellies can help provide extra lubrication. |
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Note: diaphragms and caps must be refitted after delivery
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Other Methods |
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Copper IUDs and Mirena® IUD (progestin only): no effect on breastfeeding, can be inserted at 6 weeks. |
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Sterilization (vasectomy and tubal ligation): tubal ligation requires brief separation of mother and baby, general anaesthetic, but has no effect on breastfeeding. |
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| Outercourse: Sex play other than intercourse involves no risk of pregnancy as long as semen and vaginal fluids are not exchanged. Plus, it can be fun! Sexual activities other than intercourse may also be more comfortable and enjoyable for a woman who is sore post-partum |
