Birth Control during Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an important time in a woman's life and birth control options should be considered with particular care. Choosing the right contraceptive method is extremely important for the health of both mother and baby. In this blog post, we will provide detailed information about birth control during breastfeeding and help mothers make informed decisions.

Breastfeeding and Birth Control

Breastfeeding is a time of many physical and emotional changes for new mothers. During this period, mothers often need to breastfeed frequently to feed their babies and this is an important factor to consider when choosing birth control options. Breastfeeding can be considered a natural method of birth control, but it is not a completely reliable option. There is still the possibility of getting pregnant while breastfeeding, so it is important to choose the right contraception.

Breastfeeding and Natural Birth Control

Many new mothers worry about getting pregnant while breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding can inhibit the body's ovulation process, which is considered a natural method of contraception. However, there are some conditions to make this method reliable. For example:

1. Full Breastfeeding Exclusive breastfeeding refers to a situation in which the baby is exclusively breastfed. In this case, frequent breastfeeding should occur at regular intervals, day and night. Breastfeeding in this way may be sufficient to inhibit the ovulation process.
2. Menstrual Cycle Observation: Menstrual cycle monitoring involves the mother trying natural contraception by tracking changes in her body. However, this method is not very reliable and has a high margin of error.
3. The baby must be less than six months old: Emzirme ile ilişkilendirilen doğal doğum kontrolü, genellikle bebeğin altı aydan küçük olduğu dönemde daha etkilidir.

An important point to remember is that every woman's body is different and the ovulation cycle may vary during breastfeeding. Therefore, it is not recommended to rely solely on breastfeeding and menstrual cycle observation as a completely reliable method of contraception.

Reliable Contraception for Breastfeeding

If you do not want to get pregnant while breastfeeding and are looking for a more reliable method of contraception, you may want to consider the following options:

1. Written Birth Control Pills: For many women, birth control pills are a safe option. Certain contraceptives can be used even during breastfeeding, but it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
2. Birth Control Injections: Birth control injections can be a suitable option for breastfeeding mothers. These injections are given by your doctor and provide protection for a certain period of time.
3. Birth Control Implants: Another option for breastfeeding mothers is birth control implants. These devices are placed under the arm and provide protection for several years.
4. Spiral: A suitable spiral can be an option for breastfeeding mothers, but you should follow your doctor's advice on the choice and placement of the spiral.
5. Condoms and Other Barrier Methods: You can use barrier methods such as condoms for contraception while breastfeeding. These methods can be effective in preventing pregnancy, but may have a lower level of protection than other methods.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Birth Control?

When choosing contraception during breastfeeding, it is important to pay attention to the following factors:

1. Doctor's Consultation Every woman's body is different, so it is important to consult a health professional to choose the right contraceptive method.
2. Breastfeeding Status: Breastfeeding can affect the choice of contraceptive method. Your doctor can guide you on birth control options that are compatible with breastfeeding.
3. Personal Preferences: When choosing a contraceptive method, you should also consider your personal preferences. Is it more comfortable to take the pill regularly, or do you prefer a device inserted by a specialist?
4. Side Effects: Birth control methods can have different side effects. You should consider the side effects and risks to determine which method is best for you.

Breastfeeding is a time of both joy and anxiety for new mothers. Choosing the right contraceptive method is important for the health of both mother and baby. Natural contraceptives may be suitable for some women, but they are not completely reliable. Therefore, it is important to talk to a health professional and determine the most suitable contraceptive method. Remember that every woman's needs are different and you may need professional guidance to find the right option.