Why is breastfeeding a natural birth control?

Understanding Breastfeeding as Natural Birth Control
Breastfeeding is not only a vital source of nutrition for infants but also serves as a natural form of birth control, particularly in the early months following childbirth. This method, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), leverages the hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, thereby reducing the likelihood of conception.
How LAM Works
The effectiveness of LAM hinges on three critical conditions:
1. Exclusive breastfeeding: The mother must breastfeed exclusively, meaning the infant receives no other food or drink, not even water.
2. Timing: This method is most effective during the first six months postpartum, as this is when a mother is least likely to ovulate.
3. Amenorrhea: The mother must not have had her menstrual period return since giving birth.
When these conditions are met, LAM can be about 98% effective in preventing pregnancy . The mechanism behind this is primarily hormonal; breastfeeding stimulates the release of prolactin, a hormone that inhibits ovulation. This natural suppression of the reproductive cycle allows mothers to space their pregnancies without the immediate need for additional contraceptive methods.
Benefits of Using Breastfeeding as Birth Control
The advantages of using breastfeeding as a form of birth control are numerous. Firstly, it is cost-effective—there are no expenses associated with purchasing contraceptives. Secondly, it is safe for both mother and baby, as it does not involve any artificial hormones or devices. Additionally, breastfeeding does not interrupt the act of intimacy, allowing couples to maintain their sexual relationship without the added concern of contraception.
Moreover, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce postpartum bleeding and promote maternal bonding with the infant, further enhancing the overall experience of new motherhood.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its benefits, LAM is not without its limitations. The method requires a strict adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, which may not be feasible for all mothers due to various reasons, including work commitments or health issues. Additionally, as the infant begins to consume other foods or if breastfeeding frequency decreases, the effectiveness of LAM diminishes significantly.
Furthermore, LAM is a temporary solution. Once the six-month mark is reached or if menstruation resumes, mothers will need to consider alternative contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding serves as a natural birth control method through the lactational amenorrhea method, effectively preventing ovulation during the early months postpartum. While it offers a range of benefits, including safety and cost-effectiveness, it requires commitment and may not be suitable for every mother. Understanding these dynamics can empower new parents to make informed choices about family planning during the breastfeeding period.

How does breastfeeding prevent pregnancy hormones?

Lactation amenorrhea method (LAM) is a way for breastfeeding to temporarily help prevent pregnancy. It must be used correctly to work. Lactation means your body is making breastmilk and amenorrhea means you aren’t having a monthly period. Breastfeeding hormones may stop your body from releasing eggs.

Why breastfeeding the baby acts as a natural contraceptive for the mother?

Breastfeeding naturally suppresses the hormones that are necessary for ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), in turn, prevents conception. Baby’s continuous sucking can stimulate the hormones that suppress the process of ovulation. If there is no egg production in the body, then there is no pregnancy.

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.

How likely to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

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.

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.

Is breast feeding a natural birth control?

But breastfeeding isn’t a long-term natural birth control method — you can only rely on breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy for the first 6 months of your baby’s life. Sometimes, you might get your period even before that. After you get your period or your baby is 6 months old, you’ll need another kind of birth control.

What does breastfeeding do to a woman’s hormones?

On top of that, breastfeeding mimics menopause due to the production of the milk-producing hormone, prolactin, temporarily blocking estrogen production, which keeps your estrogen levels low (1). Decreased estrogen levels impact vaginal tissue, temporarily decreasing elasticity, blood flow, and thinning of the tissue.

How does breastfeeding help you not get pregnant?

Breastfeeding has a demonstrable influence in inhibiting ovulation; it is not surprising that it has an inhibiting effect on fertility. According to Perez, during the first 3 months when a woman is nursing, there is higher security provided agaist conception than most contraceptives.

How reliable is breastfeeding as a contraceptive?

If you are breastfeeding and follow lactational amenorrhea method correctly all the time, it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you do not follow the instructions exactly, it’s 98% effective and 2 in 100 women will get pregnant again within 6 months of giving birth.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.