Which contraception methods are best suited for me as a breastfeeding mother?
October 8, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Sandra Siebert
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Alice Weise, I am 32 years old, and four months ago I gave birth to my first child. Since I want to breastfeed my baby, I am wondering which contraceptive methods are best suited for me as a breastfeeding mother.
Currently, I am not using any contraceptive method as I am unsure which options are safest for me and my baby. I have heard that some hormonal contraceptive methods can affect milk production and make breastfeeding more difficult or even impossible. Since breastfeeding is very important to me, I would rather not take any risks that could jeopardize my baby's health.
I have already discussed this topic with my gynecologist, but his recommendations have not fully convinced me. That's why I am reaching out to you now for more information and possible solutions.
Could you please recommend different contraceptive methods that are also suitable for breastfeeding mothers? Which options have the least impact on milk production and my baby's health? Are there specific contraceptive methods that are particularly compatible with breastfeeding? I would be very grateful if you could help me with this important decision.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Kind regards,
Alice Weise
Dear Alice Weise,
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the birth of your first child! It is understandable that you are thinking about the right method of contraception, especially since you plan to breastfeed your baby and the health of your child is your top priority.
It is important to note that some methods of contraception can actually affect milk production, while others are more compatible with breastfeeding. Generally, hormonal contraception methods such as the pill, contraceptive implant, or contraceptive patch are often considered safe, but they can actually affect milk production in some cases. This is because the hormones contained in them can enter the bloodstream and can also be found in breast milk.
When it comes to choosing contraception methods that do not affect milk production, there are some options that are suitable for breastfeeding mothers. These include barrier methods such as condoms or diaphragms, which do not contain hormones and therefore do not affect milk production. The copper intrauterine device is also a hormone-free contraception method that may be suitable for breastfeeding mothers.
Another option is natural family planning, where you monitor your cycle and determine your fertile period based on temperature measurements or cervical mucus. However, this method requires a high level of discipline and may be less reliable with irregular cycles.
It is important that you discuss the different contraception methods with your gynecologist and together find the best option for you and your baby. Every body responds differently to contraception methods, so it is important to decide individually which method suits you best.
I hope this information helps you make the right decision. If you have any further questions or need support, I am here to help.
Best regards,
Sandra Siebert
