FAQ: Pregnancy while breastfeeding

If you ever thought that delivery means you have signed up for a long time of immunity against another pregnancy, you might have to re-think that thought. It is true that many counsels have said the possibility of getting pregnant is zero but when you see the answers to the questions people are asking, you won't have been in doubt about any possibility.

1) Does immediate ovulation cause pregnancy?

The answer to this will be a yes. Ovulation can come as soon as six weeks after delivery and this happens to women who are not breastfeeding but using infant baby formulas. For those that are breastfeeding strictly, they have a lower chance of ovulating until a longer time which differs from women to women. So when you have already started ovulating, then, there is high possibility of getting pregnant even before you start menstruating. How is that? The major reproductive substance needed for conception is the egg and that is exactly what ovulation produces. So, this simply means that you can get pregnant with just ovulating which you might not be aware of.

2) Is LAM a good 100% birth control mechanism?

This answer will be satisfied after going through the process of LAM. Most women are already aware that LAM (Lactational Amenorrhea Method) is a recommended birth control practice for all women. However, this method will only be very effective if it is done alongside with exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding involves feeding your new born with breast milk within every four hours in the day and six hours at the night time. But this method is found to be less of two women when experimented with 100 women. So, the error to this method will be 2% or less which answers the question of it not being 100% effective. To avoid being among the 2%, it is advised you follow the LAM method without any omission whatsoever.

3) Should my cycle be monitored?

Absolutely yes! If you don't want a surprise baby in less than a year of delivery, monitor your cycle closely. A good way to monitor your cycle is through the secretion from your vagina. This secretion differs with time. If you observe a dry vagina, you can be sure to be safe from getting pregnant. But, if you can feel your vagina has a mucus that is slippery and white, then you are very close to carrying your next baby if you don't do anything that will confirm the possibility.

4) Does Exclusive breastfeeding work for all mothers the same way?

No, every mother is uniquely designed. So, mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding will address the hormone called Prolactin to restrict ovulation. But for other women, it would just be another attempt that was furtive. So, it is best to know that every body's system, though similar, works uniquely.

5) When should I be more careful after delivery?

The best time to start the prevention and be careful after delivery should not be more than four weeks. This period is for those not practicing exclusive breastfeeding but usebaby formula milkinstead. But if you are currently undergoing total breastfeeding, make sure you are still careful regardless.

So, you see, all these questions have highlighted the possibility of getting pregnant after delivery. For any birth control method, you choose, be meticulous about it.