Introduction

Breastfeeding isn’t just a healthy way to feed your baby. It can also be a form of birth control if done the right way.

Some women are concerned or confused about the way breastfeeding has to be done in order to prevent pregnancy since despite exclusively breastfeeding their baby they still get pregnant in the second ,third or fourth month after giving birth.

How does breastfeeding prevent pregnancy

When you exclusively breastfeed — meaning you  nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, and feed your baby only breast milk — your  body produces high quantity of prolactin ( the hormone responsible for producing breast milk) which in turn naturally stops ovulation You can’t get pregnant if you don’t ovulate.

No ovulation means you won’t have your period, either. That’s why breastfeeding-as-birth control is also called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). “Lactational” refers to breastfeeding, and “amenorrhea” means not having your period.

The LAM birth control method is most effective within the first 6 months after birth or before the start of menses. It is only effective if you exclusively breastfeed within the time interval of at least every 4 hours feeding within the day and 6 hours at night. If you practice mixed feeding, like both artificial bottle milk and breastfeeding this method is not for you, or had started seeing your menses just 2 months after birth this method is not for you, or your are a working class woman and have no time to breastfeed within these interval and have to breast pump to feed the baby ,please this method is not for you. You can use any other birth control methods which are safe and effective.

It’s Important to remember that breastfeeding can only be used as birth control for the first 6 months of a baby’s life, or until your period returns. After which, breastfeeding is way less effective — especially as the baby begins to eat solid foods and sleeps longer at night

The Benefits of LAM as a birth control method.

For the mother 

It is  an easy, safe, and free way to prevent another pregnancy for up to six months or before your menses return. This can come in especially handy if you don’t want to deal with other birth control methods.

• It’s free.
• It’s safe.
• You don’t need a prescription.
• It doesn’t interrupt sex.
• It reduces bleeding after you deliver your baby.
• Breastfeeding may reduce your chance of getting breast cancer.

To the Baby.

What’s good for you is also great for your baby: 

• Breast milk gives your baby the best nutrition.
• It’s full of beneficial antibodies that can help protect your baby from certain infections.
• Breastfeeding will enhance your bond with your baby by increasing body contact, and it can help soothe a fussy baby.
• Breastfeeding decreases the chance that your baby will swallow germs in water, formula, or other liquids.

In conclusion

Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing with lots of benefits every woman should understand and follow to help reduce cost ,and get their baby strong at all times .