Mon 23 Nov 2009 | You are here: Home > Ask baby expert > Health and Nutrition Qs > Can I conceive while breastfeeding?
Join Photobox
There is a problem with your Flash Player.
left col

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?


Disclaimer

The material contained on these pages is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or advice and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you're worried, see your GP.
  • Can I conceive while breastfeeding?

  • Is it true that breastfeeding works as an effective contraceptive, or do I need to use another method, too?

Midwife Nikki replies: I wouldn't advise you to rely on breastfeeding alone, as it's not a safe enough method. It's true that breastfeeding mothers produce a hormone called prolactin, which stimulates milk production and prevents the release of eggs from your ovaries. However, to keep your prolactin levels high enough to offer you protection, you need to be relying solely on breastfeeding and never leaving a period of more than six hours between feeds. Even if you stick to this, the protection you get won't be as good as using a proper contraceptive. Your best choices are either the condom/barrier method or the progesterone-only Pill as this won't affect your milk. You can't take the combined Pill if you are breastfeeding.


Pregnant? I can't be! (Oh yes you can)

So, your family’s complete – then you have a ‘little surprise’. Two mums share their...

New mum pyjamas

Be spot on with these great breastfeeding pyjamas....

My pregnancy hair is a mess!

Hair gone haywire now you're pregnant? Celebrity hair guru Daniel Galvin Jnr is here to...

Your breastfeeding problems solved

We put your questions to breastfeeding expert Clare Byam-Cook. Here she shares her advice....

Show all articles on this topic.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ75a9PMc9o
  • Posted by denise007 23 Nov 2009 01:43AM
  • i feel so pregnant :(

  • G/c there are 2 ladies on here that fell pregnant while the coil was in and both had a healthy...
  • Posted by 2girlywhir... 23 Nov 2009 12:58AM

Promotions

CONTACT | FAQ | PRIVACY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | ADVERTISERS | TOP
The National Magazine Company Ltd. © Copyright 2008