Can I get pregnant while I'm breastfeeding?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:I recommend you use barrier methods. While prolactin hormone that stimulates milk release will prevent release of eggs, 1 in 50 women will get pregnant while breastfeeding exclusively if not using other protection (and that doesn't count those who are combining breastfeeding with formula or solid food). If you do take estrogen-containing birth control pills, you have to stop breastfeeding. The mini pill has no estrogen and provides a safe method of birth control while breastfeeding.
Find out more about this book: YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
I recommend you use barrier methods. While prolactin hormone that stimulates milk release will prevent release of eggs, 1 in 50 women will get pregnant while breastfeeding exclusively if not using other protection (and that doesn't count those who... More -
Dr. Hilda Hutcherson of Good In Bed answered:You can absolutely get pregnant while breastfeeding. Although women who nurse experience a delay in menstruation, remember that ovulation may occur before you start having periods again. Ask your healthcare practitioner to recommend a type of birth control that will work for you during this time.
You can absolutely get pregnant while breastfeeding. Although women who nurse experience a delay in menstruation, remember that ovulation may occur before you start having periods again. Ask your healthcare practitioner to recommend a type of birth... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Breastfeeding is not a guarantee against pregnancy. You need to use birth control as soon as you are ready to be intimate again after the birth of your baby.
Consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to help you choose a birth control method that will work best for you during the time you’re breastfeeding.
Note: You should not use time-release hormones (such as birth control shots or patches) until your milk supply is well established. This usually takes about two weeks. Also, some time-released hormones may lead to decreased milk supply.Breastfeeding is not a guarantee against pregnancy. You need to use birth control as soon as you are ready to be intimate again after the birth of your baby. Consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to help you choose a birth control... More -
March of Dimes answered:Breastfeeding may decrease the odds of getting pregnant by delaying the return of a woman's menstrual period. However, breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy, even if the mother is not getting a period. Many women ovulate before they see their period return.
If you want to be certain not to conceive again until you and your partner are ready for another child, talk with your health care provider about when to return to using birth control. Note that some oral contraceptives that contain estrogen may decrease a woman's milk production. If you think this might be a problem for your milk supply, discuss different birth control options with your provider.
Breastfeeding may decrease the odds of getting pregnant by delaying the return of a woman's menstrual period. However, breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy, even if the mother is not getting a period. Many women ovulate before they see their... More
