It is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, which is why it is recommended to resume using the contraceptive pill 15 days after giving birth. Not using any contraceptive method while breastfeeding is not very safe, as there is data that around 2 to 15% of women become pregnant this way.
Supposedly, during exclusive breastfeeding, which occurs on free demand, that is, whenever the baby desires, ovulation is “prevented” by the stimulus of milk sucking. But for the method to really work, the baby’s sucking stimulation must be done intensely and very frequently. This means that breastfeeding should be done, day and night, that is, without controlling the schedule, which is not always possible and the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method is compromised and is not recommended.
Find out which contraceptive methods you can choose after giving birth.
1. Is breastfeeding during pregnancy bad?
No. It is possible to continue breastfeeding an older child while pregnant again, without any contraindications. However, it is not recommended that a woman can breastfeed another child other than her own child.
2. Does getting pregnant while breastfeeding reduce milk supply?
No. There is no evidence that if a woman becomes pregnant while breastfeeding an older child her milk will decrease, however, if she becomes more tired or emotionally exhausted, this can lead to a decrease in breast milk, especially if she does not drink fluids or rest. enough.
3. Does getting pregnant while breastfeeding increase milk supply?
No. The simple fact that a woman is pregnant again will not increase milk production, but if the woman drinks more water and gets enough rest, production may increase. Therefore, if the woman feels more drowsy, which is common at the beginning of pregnancy, and is able to rest, an increase in breast milk may be noticed, but not necessarily the fact that she is pregnant again.
4. Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding and taking contraceptives at the same time?
Sim. As long as the woman has not taken the contraceptive correctly, there is a risk of becoming pregnant while breastfeeding. Simply forgetting to take the pill at the right time can reduce its effectiveness, and as pills designed for breastfeeding women (Cerazette, Nactali) have a shorter tolerance time of just 3 hours, it is common for people to forget to take the pill at the right time. right time could lead to a new pregnancy. Other situations that reduce the effectiveness of the pill here.
5. Does breastfeeding harm the baby that is being formed?
No. During breastfeeding, oxytocin is released into the woman’s bloodstream, the same hormone that causes uterine contractions that lead to childbirth. However, when a woman breastfeeds, the oxytocin released into the blood cannot act on the uterus, which is why it does not contract and is not harmful to the new baby that is forming.
6. Is it possible to breastfeed 2 babies of different ages?
Sim. There is no absolute contraindication for a mother not to breastfeed her 2 children at the same time, but this can be very tiring for the mother. Therefore, it is recommended to wean the older baby if he has already turned 2 years old. Check out some tips that can help you end breastfeeding.
