It is widely accepted that breastfeeding can be a valuable form of natural birth control. However, this isn’t 100 per cent effective and cannot be relied upon as a sole method of contraception for post-natal women.
While breastfeeding can lower the chances of conception, this only works if the mother is exclusively breastfeeding. At best, it can only be relied upon for six months following the baby’s birth and is the most effective when the baby is fed every four hours during the day and every six hours through the night.
There is still a risk of falling pregnant while breastfeeding, so it makes sense for post-natal mothers to look at their contraception options if they are not planning to get pregnant again soon after giving birth.
Contraception options
It is advisable for breastfeeding women to avoid estrogen-containing birth control as estrogen has been linked to reduced breast milk supply. That said, there are still many contraceptive options available, such as:
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Offering more than 99 per cent effectiveness. Hormone-containing IUDs can make periods lighter or may cause them to cease entirely in some women. Non-hormonal IUDs can cause heavy periods and intense cramping.
- Mini-pill: A progestin-only oral contraceptive with between 87 and 99.7 per cent effectiveness. Considered safer for breastfeeding mothers as it doesn’t reduce milk supply.
- Barrier methods: Barrier contraceptives are up to 98 per cent effective and block sperm from entering the uterus and fertilising an egg. An effective hormone-free option that won’t affect the mother’s milk supply. Popular options include male and female condoms with latex-free options for those with latex sensitivity, diaphragm, cervical cap and spermicide-containing sponge.
- Contraceptive implant: This small device inserted under the skin contains the hormone progestin and is over 99 per cent effective. An ideal choice for post-natal mothers looking for more long-term contraceptive protection. Implants can help prevent pregnancy for up to four years.
- Contraceptive injection: Injectable contraceptives are up to 97 per cent effective and include Depo-Provera, Sayana Press or Noristerat. This is a slow-release method using progestogen to prevent pregnancy. Injections can last for 13 weeks, except for Noristerat, which lasts eight weeks.
- Natural family planning (NFP): This is a method where you track your fertility and cycle. On average, this can be between 26 and 32 days. Body temperature can also be taken each morning using a special thermometer to help indicate ovulation.
Are you a healthcare practitioner who deals with post-natal contraception?
PDUK offers a range of online courses to help healthcare practitioners learn about the latest options in post-natal contraception care and management. For example, we provide a primary care provider’s guide to contraception.
This is an online study day designed for doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to gain a deeper insight into the latest UK-based contraception options for post-natal women and how to use this knowledge in a clinical setting.
If you are a nurse practitioner, practice nurse or allied health professional, you may be interested in our Practice Nurse’s Guide to the 6-week post-natal check.
New mothers are now given a six-week post-natal check that allows them to ask questions, seek advice, discuss their post-natal contraception options and more. This online course offers practice nurses and nurse practitioners an effective way to brush up on their knowledge of common and not-so-common issues affecting post-natal women. It enables them to be more confident in dealing with post-natal patient issues.
PDUK also offers other related online courses for medical professionals that you may want to consider. For example, our gynae core skills for first contact practitioners is a one-day interactive course for primary care practitioners managing women presenting with gynaecological issues.
For healthcare practitioners that help women manage their peri-menopausal symptoms, our online course Caring for women around the Menopause would be ideal. This four-hour interactive course helps healthcare providers deliver a positive, nurturing and supportive experience to women navigating this life stage.
Places are limited on all the above-listed courses, so early booking is advised to help avoid disappointment.