Breastfeeding is sometimes used as a method of birth control – BUT you could still get pregnant when breastfeeding.
- if baby is exclusively breastfeed (i.e nothing other than breastmilk is given to your child)
- if baby is under six month’s of age
- if mother’s menstrual cycle has not yet started back again after labour
This method is not 100% reliable.
You could still get pregnant even if you are breastfeeding as ovulation can occur before your period starts back.
A more reliable method of birth control is the “mini-pill” contraceptive prescribed by your doctor which is a progestogen-only pill .
Avoid contraceptive pills containing oestrogen while you are breastfeeding.
For more information, speak with your doctor or midwife. A midwife can usually prescribe contraception (pills and condoms) while you are still under her care.
