What can a breastfeeding mother take to prevent pregnancy?

Understanding Birth Control Options for Breastfeeding Mothers
For many new mothers, the question of how to prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding is a significant concern. Breastfeeding can naturally suppress ovulation, but it is not a foolproof method of contraception. Here’s a detailed look at the optionsBreastfeeding and Pregnancy Prevention
Breastfeeding can be an effective form of birth control, but only if certain conditions are met. This method of pregnancy prevention is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
To use LAM effectively, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
1. Your baby is under 6 months old. The baby must be exclusively breastfed, meaning they receive only breastmilk and no other liquids or solids.
2. You are breastfeeding at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night. This frequent breastfeeding helps maintain a high level of the hormone prolactin, which suppresses ovulation and menstruation.
3. Your menstrual period has not returned. LAM is only effective until your first menstrual period resumes after giving birth.
If all these conditions are met, LAM can be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy in the first 6 months postpartum. However, if you introduce any formula, foods, or start spacing out breastfeeding sessions, the effectiveness of LAM decreases significantly.
For breastfeeding mothers who do not meet the LAM criteria, or who want additional pregnancy prevention, other birth control options are available. These include progestin-only pills, the birth control shot, IUDs, and barrier methods like condoms. It’s important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider, as some methods may impact milk supply.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

If you follow the rules laid out in the LAM method — exclusive breastfeeding of an infant younger than 6 months old before your period comes back — you have less than a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant.

What are 100% ways to prevent pregnancy?

Abstinence: Sexual abstinence is defined as refraining from all forms of sexual activity and genital contact, such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex. This method is the only 100 percent effective way to protect against pregnancy, ensuring there is no exchange of bodily fluids (such as vaginal secretions and semen).

What can I take to get rid of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

Mifepristone can be used during breastfeeding due to negligible levels in milk.

What Plan B can I take while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking (Plan B One-Step®):
When used as emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is not expected to be harmful to a child that is breastfeeding. A person who takes levonorgestrel as emergency contraception can breastfeed 3 to 4 hours after the dose (or after each dose if the two-dose method is used).

Which contraceptive pill can I take while breastfeeding?

The progesterone only contraceptive pill (mini-pill) is generally recommended during breastfeeding. It needs to be taken at the same time every day continuously – a delay of more than 3 hours may mean contraceptive protection is lost.

How can I prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding naturally?

When you exclusively breastfeed — meaning you nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, and feed your baby only breast milk — your body naturally stops ovulating. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t ovulate. No ovulation means you won’t have your period, either.

How can I control my pregnancy while breastfeeding?

Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

1. Take painkillers like Tylenol or use warm compresses on your breasts to ease breast soreness and nipple tenderness.
2. Ensure that you get enough rest if you feel tired due to pregnancy and breastfeeding your older child.
3. Ask someone to help you with household chores or childcare.

What are the earliest signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

What drug can a nursing mother take to prevent pregnancy?

Can I use hormonal birth control while breastfeeding? Yes, if you’re breastfeeding, you can safely use hormonal methods. They won’t hurt you or your baby. You can start using the shot, implant, Skyla and Mirena IUDs, and some types of birth control pills (called mini-pills) right after giving birth.

How can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.