Breastfeeding week is celebrated every year from 1 August to 7 August. As it rises up, let’s take a close look at one of the most incorrect aspects of breastfeeding: its relationship with fertility.
Often, there are many questions around breastfeeding, duration and conception. Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? Is there a period of breastfeeding delay? And is breastfeeding a natural form of birth control? With so many questions, it is easy for myths and misunderstandings. It becomes important to be informed well to achieve better clarity.
Also read: 11 general breastfeeding myths busted in Indian families
Dr. In the Swapnil Agrahari, SR Consultant, obstruler and gynecologist, in Silverstrack Multispeciality Hospital, shared a comprehensive explanation behind this relationship between breastfeeding with HT lifestyle and fertility.
But first, he highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding and what it means to a mother’s health. “It also provides long -term health benefits for the mother by reducing the risk of some cancer such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and potentially reduces the risk of development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.”
Is there a period of breastfeeding delay?
Often, new mothers who breastfeed inspect the delay in the period. Dr. Swapnil Agarhari explained in detail how breastfeeding affects fertility, causing hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. He confirmed, “Breastfeeding can actually affect fertility. When a mother often breastfeeds, especially within the first six months of postpartum and without complementing with the formula or solid, it can suppress the ovulation. This natural delay in the return of menstrual cycles is called lactational amnoria.”
Why you still need contraceptive
But delay in periods does not mean that it is a guaranteed form of natural birth control. Dr. Swapnil Agarhari warned against it, as he said, “For some women, it can serve as a temporary form of birth control. However, this effect is neither permanent nor guaranteed.”
This is a common misunderstanding, but ovulation may begin again, which increases the chances of getting pregnant. Dr. Agrahari explained, “The often ignored ignorance is that ovulation may begin again before the first postpartum period appears. In other words, a woman may be fertile and be able to become pregnant, even if she was not a single period after delivery. It soon really completely for breastfeeding for another pregnancy.”
So, how will you know that your ovulation is back and you may be at risk of getting pregnant, even if you are not a period? Are there any signs? Dr. Swapnil Agarhari confirmed that there are signs, even if the period has not returned. He said, “By the time the child turns around six months – or even before the night feeds decrease or solids are introduced – ovulation may begin again, even if the duration is not back. Given this uncertainty, medical professionals firmly advise to consider additional forms of contraception.”
Dr. Agrahari recommended contraceptive options such as Progestin-Calcian pills, intrauterine equipment (IUDS), contraceptive transplantation, or barrier methods such as condoms. He assured that these methods do not interfere with milk supply and can help new mothers control their reproductive options during this transitional period.
Therefore, it is important to be clear about the general myth that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy. It can delay fertility, but Dr. Agarhari reminded that it cannot be used as an alternative to planned contraception.
Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.
