Do I Really Need Birth Control If I'm Breastfeeding?

Your body goes through a lot of changes as you give birth to and breastfeed your new baby, and eventually return to postnatal sexual activity with your partner. Chances are, you’ve got a lot on your mind!

It can be tricky to keep track of myths and facts about your birth control and fertility during this transitional time. And, it’s a period in your life when planning for pregnancy really matters.

Dr. Mary Grace Bridges and the OBGYN team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin still hear the common myth that you can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding. With locations in Odessa and Midland, Texas, the team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin provides you with facts about your reproductive health. 

If you’re breastfeeding and don’t want to conceive, you may mistakenly think that you don’t need to use birth control when you return to sexual activity. You should know that you can absolutely conceive and become pregnant again while breastfeeding.

If you don’t want to get pregnant again while you’re breastfeeding, talk to us about your birth control needs. 

Hormones, breastfeeding, and birth control

You don’t have a monthly menstrual cycle when you’re pregnant. After giving birth, especially if you breastfeed, it may take some time for your menstrual periods to return. The reason for this is found in your hormones.

Breastfeeding women produce the hormone prolactin. This hormone also interacts with your ovulation. When your prolactin levels are high, your body may not release eggs for fertilization. That’s why your menstrual cycle seems to pause for a time, known as lactation amenorrhea.

During lactation amenorrhea, you’re much less likely to conceive or become pregnant, especially in the first six months of your baby’s life. But, if it’s important to avoid another pregnancy, you should still use birth control. 

At some point, your ovulation returns, and with it, so does your ability to become pregnant. Ovulation occurs before your first postpartum period. Pumping breast milk, supplementing with formula, and starting your baby on solids all increase the likelihood that you’ll begin ovulating again.

When your ovulation and menstruation cycle starts back up again, you could return to fertility without realizing it. Your cycle may be irregular for a few months when it restarts, making family planning challenging. If you’re not taking precautions against pregnancy while you’re breastfeeding, you could end up with an unintentional conception. 

Birth control to use while breastfeeding

While breastfeeding, opt for birth control methods that don’t include doses of the hormone estrogen. Taking estrogen-based birth control can reduce your milk supply.

Barrier methods of contraception like condoms effectively prevent pregnancy while not interfering with your ability to breastfeed. You can also use hormonal methods of birth control containing progestin only, such as the minipill, Depo-Provera® shots, or a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) like the Mirena®.

Talk to Dr. Bridges and the Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin team about your plans for your family and fertility. She assists you in making the right birth control decisions for you, your health, and your baby.

To schedule an appointment, call the nearest location today. You can also request an appointment using our online tool now.