Contraception while breastfeeding: popular contraceptives

Is contraception necessary while breastfeeding?

Many parents believe that breastfeeding the baby prevents the mother from getting pregnant again. This is a fairy tale! During breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin ensures that milk is repeatedly produced in the mammary glands. At the same time, the activity of the ovaries is largely suppressed by the hormone. But it is not absolutely certain. If you want to be absolutely sure, you should also take care of contraception while breastfeeding.

NetMom’s survey shows only 66 percent use contraception

Our new MomaSquad “Contraceptive” survey shows that just under two-thirds of moms who responded used birth control while breastfeeding. Many wanted the next child directly, others simply accepted another pregnancy. If they actively used contraception, almost half of the mothers opted for condoms while breastfeeding , 37 percent for the pill, and 13 percent for other hormonal contraceptive methods such as the hormonal coil or vaginal ring . Just under 8 percent used natural contraceptive methods while breastfeeding . Most of these used the symptothermal method , others the Billings or calendar method. Learn more about the Billings method in the following article:

Condoms are the most common means of contraception when breastfeeding

Almost half of all breastfeeding mothers opt for the condom as reliable contraception. It is clearly the most commonly used contraceptive during breastfeeding. Condoms, when used correctly, are highly recommended after pregnancy. They are easy to use and have no effect on your hormone balance, milk production or your baby. In addition, condoms have the advantage that you can have sex with your partner while you are pregnant. Your uterus is still very sensitive during this time and it can easily lead to abdominal inflammation. If you use a condom, that can’t happen.

Mechanical contraception while breastfeeding?

Other mechanical contraceptives, so-called barrier contraceptives, such as the diaphragm or the cervical cap, are rather unpopular for contraception during breastfeeding. Just like the condom, they have the advantage that they do not interfere with the hormone balance. However, they only make sense if you have had experience with them before you became pregnant. After the birth, you should definitely have the diaphragm and the cervical cap adjusted again. They are probably therefore rarely used as contraception during breastfeeding.

Hormonal contraception while breastfeeding?

If you want to play it safe while breastfeeding, the very safe hormonal contraceptives are the best choice. However, it is not always possible to use the same contraceptives after pregnancy as before and not all of them are suitable when breastfeeding:

• If you want to breastfeed, the pill is rather unsuitable. The estrogen in the pill slows down milk production and the hormones also get into the baby’s circulation via breast milk. An alternative is the mini pill. The progestogens in the mini-pill do not prevent ovulation, but make the mucus in the cervix impenetrable to the sperm. The mini-pill does not inhibit milk production, but tiny amounts of hormones are transferred to the baby when breastfeeding.
• Another option, in contrast to taking the progestin pill every day, is the three- month injection . It contains the same hormone and is injected by the doctor every three months.
• A hormone implant , also known as a birth control rod, also works with progestin . The implant is pushed under the skin on the upper arm and not, like the IUD, into the uterus. However, the implant changes menstrual bleeding. Intermenstrual bleeding may occur. For many women, the period becomes weaker or does not occur, for others it becomes heavier.
• The survey shows that the IUS is a popular contraceptive after childbirth. However, after pregnancy you should wait at least eight to twelve weeks before having the spiral inserted. Even half a year would be better, since the spiral could irritate the uterus.

Natural contraception while breastfeeding?

Natural contraceptive methods are chosen less often than usual after childbirth. The MomaSquad survey shows this clearly. They also have the advantage that, unlike the pill and other hormonal contraceptives, they do not supply the body with any hormones. And they have no effect on milk production and your baby. However, they require a lot of discipline and a regular cycle. Measuring the temperature is rather unsuitable when breastfeeding, as temperature fluctuations can occur more frequently due to restless nights, for example. All methods of natural contraception are only suitable if you have studied and practiced them extensively. The calendar method, the billings method and the symptothermal method are still most suitable for contraception. The calendar method calculates the fertile days,cervical mucus and basal body temperature together. But if you want to be 100 percent sure, you should combine any natural method with a contraceptive.