{"id":1853,"date":"2020-12-23T10:49:53","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T07:49:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poriutivit.com\/staging2\/?p=1853"},"modified":"2021-06-02T10:37:26","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T07:37:26","slug":"natural-contraception-for-breastfeeding-moms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poriutivit.com\/staging2\/en\/breastfeeding-and-fertility\/natural-contraception-for-breastfeeding-moms\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Contraception for Breastfeeding Moms"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>This article summarizes the relationship between breastfeeding (BF) and fertility and discusses the non-hormonal\/non-invasive methods which can be effectively used as birth control during BF. While BF itself is not considered reliable contraception, there are evidence-based methods, developed following decades of research, which demonstrate how BF affects our hormones which in turn affects our natural secretions.\u00a0 <\/span>\n

THIS IS NOT AN ALGORITHM!! <\/span><\/p>\n

After learning how to identify one\u2019s own secretion pattern, any woman can begin trusting her body and know on a daily basis when she is and is not fertile.\u00a0 During BF (as well as during regular menstrual cycling), our bodies communicate in a clear \u201clanguage\u201d when we are fertile, e.g. on what days is pregnancy possible?\u00a0 This knowledge becomes an awesome tool that can be used as a highly effective method of contraception!\u00a0 Knowing your fertility status means you can BF with ease, a sense of control, and peace of mind without the hassles, side effects, and costs of hormones and IUDs. All new moms and others of reproductive age can benefit from \u201cbody literacy,\u201d because it enables them to make informed choices about their sexual health, fertility, and quality of life. So let\u2019s jump in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FACT 1<\/b>: <\/span>Breastfeeding (BF) can be used to prolong the time of \u201cpostpartum infertility\u201d. <\/b><\/p>\n

BF is a partial method of birth control. If you enable your baby to suckle very frequently (every 2-3 hours- day and night), avoid bottle feeds, maintain physical closeness, give minimal supplements, and do not experience menstrual bleeding, your chances of getting pregnant during the first six months are relatively low.\u00a0 This method works best if you live in a non-western culture where ecological breastfeeding is practiced by traditional, tribal societies. Ecological BF is not \u201cfull\u201d BF. \u00a0 Traditional BF implies continuous physical closeness, 24\/7 between mother and baby.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FACT 2<\/b>: <\/span>There is a direct relationship between a woman\u2019s BF pattern and her natural secretion pattern. <\/b>All women experience discernible changes in the quality and quantity of their natural secretions throughout their reproductive years. These changes are caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Most women notice their secretions as stains in their panties and as sensations of wetness vs. dryness at the vulva.\u00a0 BF moms can learn how to monitor and interpret their secretions and use this information as highly effective contraception. This method works best when learned from an experienced teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n

FACT 3<\/b>: <\/span>Three primary fertility signs enable a BF woman who is cycling to identify her fertile and infertile days:<\/b> basal body temperature, cervical secretions, and cervical position. Whether a woman is BF without menses, menstruating regularly; perimenopausal; in transition coming off the Pill, or following a miscarriage -she can know on a daily basis if and when she is fertile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FACT 4<\/b>: <\/span>Many natural<\/b> methods (not all) can be highly effective and reliable<\/b>, but like most contraceptive methods, effectiveness depends on the degree of correct and consistent use by the woman\/couple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many scientifically validated and researched methods of natural contraception exist. They are endorsed and promoted by the International Planned Parenthood Federation, the World Health Organization, and many other health organizations throughout the world (see links at the end of the article).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural methods offer women an opportunity to acquire \u201cBody Literacy\u201d and enable them to understand their own unique fertility patterns. Despite what many physicians and laypeople still believe, BF mothers do <\/span>not<\/b> have to resort to birth control pills or IUD\u2019s in order to effectively prevent pregnancy.\u00a0 Natural methods work by informing you when your body is trying to ovulate and when your hormone balance is shifting. All you need to do is develop awareness, understand your \u201cbaseline\u201d secretion pattern (your body\u2019s unique language for communicating your fertility status), apply the method rules, and start trusting what your body conveys- day by day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Happens to our Body Before and During Pregnancy?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

During our 35-year fertility journey, our bodies are \u2018programmed\u2019 every month\/cycle to create the conditions necessary for ovulation and potential pregnancy.\u00a0 Our hormones act as chemical messengers that instruct the body to prepare for these two events.\u00a0 Our fertility is cyclical and limited to approximately 5-7 days per cycle. There are four primary hormones responsible for creating our fertility cycle- FSH, Estrogen, LH, and Progesterone. During pregnancy, this mechanism is suspended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Happens After Childbirth?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If a woman does <\/span>not <\/b>BF, her first period will likely return within 4-6 weeks of delivery. In two out of three women, the first bleed will occur in the <\/span>absence<\/b> of proper ovulation because the body is in a state of hormonal transition. It is highly unlikely that a woman would get pregnant so soon after giving birth and <\/span>before<\/b> getting her first period. By the second and third post-partum cycles, approximately 85% of women will be ovulating normally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lactational Infertility<\/b><\/h2>\n

BF helps extend the period of infertility while suppressing ovarian function. While FSH level return to normal after two months, LH stimulation and release is suppressed in the brain, thereby confusing the body and preventing proper ovulation. 70-80% of BF women will have one or more anovulatory (non-ovulating) cycles before their fertility resumes completely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The frequency of BF is what stimulates the body to secrete high levels of two hormones:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n