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Home › Articles › Issues for Mom › Breastfeeding and Birth Control

Breastfeeding and Birth Control

Family Planning for
the Nursing Mother

By Michele St. Martin

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But current research and the experience of many lactation consultants and nursing mothers shows a different side. "I went back to my diaphragm until my husband had a vasectomy when [our daughter] was several months old," Dr. Pearman says. "Mini-pills and Depo are not supposed to affect [milk] supply, but I have seen it happen often, especially with the mini-pill."

How do you know if your milk supply could be at risk? "There are no absolutes here, but it is probably the better part of wisdom for breastfeeding mothers to wait until lactation is well established (at least six weeks) before introducing these progestin-only contraceptives, and then try a month of oral contraceptives before having the shot of Depo Provera," says iParenting expert adviser Melissa Clark Vickers, MEd, IBCLC.

Why the wait for Depo? "The problem with the Depo Provera shot is that because it is a one-time, long-term shot, if there is a problem, there is no way to 'undo' the shot," Vickers says.

The Right Choice
No contraceptive method is right for every woman. Personal beliefs, willingness to risk pregnancy and comfort levels with the various methods vary from woman to woman. But all women have a choice in planning their families according to what's right for them.

 

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