Can You Conceive While Breastfeeding?

Anu is a stressed-out new mother who is missing her period by a week! Is it… surely not, right? Her partner is also puzzled because the bare minimum he knows about the female anatomy has come in clutch so far. Is this the day the extent of that knowledge finally comes into question? He casts the dreaded doubt into the void (Google) just shy of six months from the arrival of their bundle of joy: Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?

As per reports, two out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as the primary birth control, get pregnant within six months. So, condoms and breastfeeding have the same success rate in preventing pregnancy.

WAIT, WHAT? Let’s talk about it.

Myths Exist And Our Job is to Bust Them!

The myth of breastfeeding as guaranteed birth control likely stems from a combination of biological factors and historical misconceptions. Here's what we know:

1. Postpartum Amenorrhea: After childbirth, a woman's body naturally enters a period of absence of menstruation called amenorrhea. This is mainly due to hormonal changes triggered by pregnancy and delivery. Prolactin also peeks in right around this time.

This biological phenomenon forms the foundation of the myth. Historically speaking, amenorrhea might have been observed as a natural birth control method, leading to the misconception that breastfeeding by itself prevents pregnancy. Because if you or your partner are exclusively breastfeeding, a study states that only 1% to 5% of women get back their ovulation in the first six months after delivery. It takes even longer for the rest. So the theory is not really without ground but the chances however slim still exist

2. Lack of Awareness and Education: Traditionally, breastfeeding was the primary source of infant nutrition for extended periods. It was the “No baby powder” era. Likewise, access to safe and reliable birth control options or stigma-free family planning education was also very limited.

Naturally, there were so many setups for the myth to take root because of the association between breastfeeding and birth control. What's more, we loved to tell stories with not much scientific evidence so a lot of anecdotal theories could have also helped feed the fire.

This is why postpartum amenorrhea is temporary and unreliable. While breastfeeding delays ovulation, it doesn't guarantee it. Even without a period returning, ovulation can still occur, making pregnancy a possibility.

Modern science (courtesy of William Osler) has shed light on the limitations of relying on breastfeeding alone for birth control.

1. The Lactational Amenorrhea Misconception: As we saw earlier, LAM (lactational amenorrhea method or postpartum amenorrhea) has strict criteria for actually working as a viable contraceptive. Studies show that achieving perfect adherence to these criteria is challenging, significantly reducing its reliability for most women.

2. Ovulation is Sneaky: Our bodies are complex systems, and ovulation can be unpredictable, especially in the early months of postpartum. It is possible to retain ovulation sooner even if you're regularly breastfeeding. This poses a heavy risk of relying solely on LAM as a contraceptive method.

By understanding the science behind ovulation and the limitations of LAM, it's easier to get a better picture of this “natural contraceptive”.

Now that you know breastfeeding alone can't help, are there other ways to prevent a pregnancy during that period?

Let's get real, we're not saying breastfeeding is useless as a contraceptive. It has its merits as proved by the numbers, but it's important to be realistic and not rely on it solely. So, what are some alternatives? Here are a few things to consider:

Ovulation Awareness: Even if you're not relying solely on LAM, tracking your body's signals like cervical mucus changes and basal body temperature, together making up the symptothermal method, can help you become more aware of your fertility. It seems like an overkill but it's totally worth it. The fact that BBT has been in practice for ages has to count for something.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): These pills contain a single hormone, progesterone, which thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Although they are considered safe and effective for breastfeeding mothers so much so that they can be started right after childbirth, it's best to avoid them if you have or had breast cancer or liver-related issues. It's best to pop into the doctor before you pop these POPs!

Mini-pills: Very similar to POPs, mini-pills only contain progesterone and are a good option for breastfeeding women who experience side effects with combo birth control pills (estrogen and progesterone). We highly recommend you consult your doctor and discuss any possible medical history that could hinder these pills’ honest work.

IUDs: Intrauterine Device works by stopping the egg and the sperm from ever really having that fated meet-cute. It's got 2 varieties, one with progestin and the other with copper. They're highly effective because they're one of the few long-acting birth control options that can be inserted after childbirth with progestin IUD working for 3-8 years and copper one for up to 10 years. Once again, talk to your doctor about which type might be best for you.

Is There Any Hope For Your Sex Life After a Baby?

Now that all the sciencey stuff is over and done with, what can you as a partner or the childbearer do to ease yourself into both being a parent and having a healthy sex life?

We know that just the prospect of another baby so soon wants to make you take celibacy vows. But like we just discussed there are more safe and reliable birth control options than just nature's way of doing it. Heck, intimacy might not be the first thing that pops into your mind after cleaning a million diapers and trying hard to imitate a raccoon after endless sleepless nights. However, a healthy and fulfilling sex life is still achievable during breastfeeding, and it can actually benefit your overall well-being as a couple as well.

One major concern for many parents is the "too-soon-for-another-baby" fear. A study published in the journal "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" found that 86% of women worry about getting pregnant again after childbirth. This anxiety, coupled with potential physical changes postpartum, can lead to a decline in sexual desire and intimacy.

FYI, Anu’s partner disagrees vehemently with this notion. He may not know the intricacies of a woman's pleasure points, but he does know that any and all change after childbirth is normal and should be accepted as such. Be like Anu’s partner.

Using breastfeeding as not a guaranteed contraceptive but as a temporary window for worry-free intimacy is the optimist’s way of life. If combined with reliable birth control, of course.

Intimacy Beyond Intercourse: Focus on building emotional and physical connections. Cuddling and massages are great ways to create a more relaxed atmosphere for intimacy.

Talking Can Actually Help: A good relationship is where there's space for everyone involved to talk openly. Don't be afraid to talk with your partner about your needs and desires. Be honest about any physical discomfort you might be experiencing and explore alternatives that feel good for both of you. Childbirth is not a walk in the park and honestly, it's better than a Push Gift (capitalists' newest cash cow).

Embrace the Unexpected: You might experience changes in your body image or libido after childbirth. This is perfectly normal! Due to many reasons from fatigue to feeling uncomfortable, many women reported that they hardly enjoyed sex and that is totally fine. Be patient with yourself and your partner. Share the responsibilities to make sure both of you are comfortable enough to pick it back up.

Mothers! Skip This Part, This One's For Your Other Half!

Dads (and partners!), what are you waiting for? Anu’s partner is already way ahead of you guys. And word from the leading man is that: Being a great partner is not a competition but if it was, I'm winning.

Your role in supporting your breastfeeding partner is in fact an important one. Here's how you can beat that overachiever:

Help with household chores and childcare: Lighten the load for your partner so they can focus on breastfeeding and getting some much-needed rest.

Research birth control options: Go back to the birth control segment and pick your partner's favorite. To learn about all the methods and support your partner in making informed decisions.

Offer emotional support: This is a time of immense change, and your partner might be feeling overwhelmed. Be a listening ear and a source of unwavering encouragement.

The journey from pregnancy to childbirth, although is mainly focused on the child and the bearer, it's important to have a support system that goes beyond words of affirmation. With this blog, Kofuku hopes to be that reliable shoulder, the voice of reason to fight against your fears and anxieties.

Which brings us to here: Can you really get pregnant while breastfeeding? Unless the sperm is an extremely stubborn one and your partner is already ovulating with no other contraceptive in place, then no!