Tag Archives: breastfeeding and fertility

The Rules of Natural Child Spacing

We have already discussed that breastfeeding is an effective means of birth control. But just like any other form of birth control, you have to play by the rules in order for it to be effective. Rule #1–Menstrual Cycles If you are one of those women whose menstrual cycle returns right after giving birth, breastfeeding will not work for you as a means of birth control. It is rare that this is the case, but some women just require very, very high levels of prolactin in their blood in order to suppress ovulation. Rule #2–Babies More than 6 months old … Continue reading →

The Effectiveness of Breastfeeding as Birth Control

There is a lot of misinformation regarding whether or not you can use breastfeeding as a means of birth control. I have been told numerous times by well-meaning technicians that I am silly for believing that breastfeeding can keep me from getting pregnant. On the other hand, there are lots of women who say that they’ve gotten pregnant while breastfeeding. On the one side, people will tell you that breastfeeding cannot be relied upon as a form of birth control. On the other hand, people will say that any amount of breastfeeding at all will keep you from getting pregnant. … Continue reading →