What are the side effects of breastfeeding as birth control?

Understanding Breastfeeding as Birth Control
Breastfeeding is often touted as a natural method of birth control, particularly in the early months following childbirth. This approach, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), relies on the hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding to suppress ovulation. While it can be effective under specific conditions, it is essential to understand the potential side effects and limitations associated with this method.
The Mechanism of LAM
LAM works primarily by inhibiting the hormones responsible for ovulation. When a mother exclusively breastfeeds—meaning the baby receives no other food or drink—this can delay the return of menstruation and, consequently, ovulation. However, this method is only reliable for the first six months postpartum and as long as the mother continues to breastfeed exclusively. Once the baby begins to consume other foods or if the mother’s menstrual cycle resumes, the effectiveness of LAM diminishes significantly.
Side Effects of Breastfeeding as Birth Control
While breastfeeding can serve as a temporary contraceptive method, it is not without its drawbacks. One notable side effect is reduced vaginal lubrication, which can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse. This change in lubrication is often due to hormonal fluctuations associated with breastfeeding.
Additionally, while breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, it does not eliminate the possibility of conception entirely. Many women may mistakenly believe they are fully protected against pregnancy, leading to unplanned pregnancies when they resume sexual activity.
Hormonal Considerations
For mothers considering hormonal birth control options while breastfeeding, it is crucial to choose methods that do not adversely affect milk supply. Contraceptives containing estrogen, for instance, have been linked to a reduction in milk production, which can be detrimental to breastfeeding. Instead, progestin-only methods are often recommended as they are less likely to interfere with lactation.
Moreover, hormonal birth control can introduce its own set of side effects, including headaches, nausea, and mood swings, which may complicate the postpartum experience. These side effects can vary significantly among individuals, making it essential for mothers to consult healthcare providers to find the most suitable option.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding can serve as a natural form of birth control through the lactational amenorrhea method, it is not foolproof and comes with potential side effects. Mothers should be aware of the limitations of this method and consider alternative contraceptive options, especially as their breastfeeding patterns change. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help navigate the best choices for both effective birth control and maintaining a healthy breastfeeding relationship.

Does breastfeeding mess with your hormones?

The production of prolactin can also inhibit the hormones that are responsible for ovulation, so you may notice that you don’t get your period if you’re exclusively breastfeeding.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding?

5 Side Effects of Breastfeeding

• Back Pain: Think about it—you’re hunched over your baby, in an awkward position.
• Bruising: Yep, your little tike can cause some big bruises on your breasts.
• Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a problem for pregnant women, but it can also be a problem post-birth.

Is breastfeeding hard on your body?

I’m talking wrist pain, back pain, rib pain, numbness, neck pain, tingling, tight muscles, feeling weak, breathing changes… All these changes to the musculoskeletal system and associated senorimotor cortext of the brain can start during a woman’s breastfeeding career.

What are the side effects of birth control on breasts?

Other Side Effects From Birth Control
Birth control can also cause breast tenderness or pain. This is normal around your period, but the hormones can make the pain stronger. Breast tenderness is a heavy or sore feeling that may spread to your armpit or upper arm.

How safe is breastfeeding as birth control?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

What are the side effects of birth control while breastfeeding?

Using contraceptives while breastfeeding
But be sure to discuss the issue with your baby’s pediatrician and your gynecologist first. There are no harmful effects on infants when the nursing parent uses hormonal contraceptives, but their use may diminish milk supply, especially during the early weeks of breastfeeding.

What are 5 disadvantages of breastfeeding?

• There can be discomfort involved with breastfeeding.
• You may leak milk at times that are inconvenient or embarrassing.
• Feeding your baby in public may be more difficult.
• Everything you consume is being passed on to your baby.
• You need special clothing and bras for breastfeeding.

Is it harder to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

Does breastfeeding throw off hormones?

When you breastfeed, your body produces two “feel good” hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, to create breastmilk and the let-down reflex. Prolactin produces a feeling of well-being, calmness and relaxation, while oxytocin is known as the “love hormone,” and creates those warm and fuzzy feelings.

What happens if you get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Pregnant breastfeeding is generally safe, but you should still talk with your doctor before continuing to breastfeed if you become pregnant. Breastfeeding while pregnant could cause the taste of your milk to change and may also increase the likelihood of experiencing fatigue, morning sickness, or breast tenderness.