by Kathleen Richardson

Created on: February 23, 2011

Rather than “Does breastfeeding prevent pregnancy?”, perhaps the question should be “Does breastfeeding prevent pregnancy in all women, every time?”  While this response could be placed on the YES side of the debate, there has to be a NO response to the revised question.  

So, no, breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy in all women, every time.  Because, simply put, nothing works one hundred percent of the time. On the other hand, yes, breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy in some women, some of the time.  

In her article, Natural Child Spacing and Breastfeeding, Jen O'Quinn writes that “Women who practice ecological breastfeeding average 14.6 months of amenorrhea*. Seven percent experience a return of their menses in the first six months following childbirth. Thirty-seven percent get their periods back during months seven to twelve. Forty-eight percent get their periods back sometime during the second year after childbirth. Eight percent go longer than two years without periods.

(*abnormal absence of menses)

In seeking to prevent the return of menses and an unplanned pregnancy, a nursing woman has a better chance of success by following the suggestions of Sheila Kippley, author of Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing.  Kippley advocates nursing on cue, keeping babies close at hand, and for the first half year providing all liquids and comfort at the breast.  She points out that using bottles or pacifiers, separating baby from its mother, scheduling feedings and skipping nighttime feedings can all interfere with effectively spacing babies.

How often to nurse...

In order to prevent pregnancy, a nursing mother has to be dedicated to the idea of nursing on cue.  This means being alert to signs that baby wants to nurse and putting her baby to her breast at least every two hours, particularly in the early weeks.  Not just two hours during daylight hours.  Two hours, twenty-four hours a day.  By keeping the baby close, in a sling, in bed with her, or at least in the same room, a mother will be able to response immediately to the slightest indication that baby is hungry.

Length of each nursing...

The first few minutes of each breastfeeding session provides the nutritious foremilk essential for a baby’s healthy development.  This is followed by the hindmilk that contains the most calories and helps the baby to grow.  Because newborns are learning to nurse and are the regulators of your breastmilk production, they need 20-45 minutes per nursing.  

Formula and pacifiers...

Sucking is an important part of breastmilk development and that continued production factors highly in the prevention of menses and pregnancy.  Offering babies supplemental bottles of formula and/or pacifiers decreases milk production and interferes with the human body’s natural ability to delay menses.

To summarize, while breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy in every woman, every time, by keeping baby close, nursing often and long enough, and, most importantly, providing all nourishment and comfort at the breast, breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy.

Sources:

http://www.babies.sutterhealth.org/breastfeeding/bf_ frequency.html

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVDec98Jan99p128. html

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