Study has it that getting pregnant almost immediately after childbirth increases your chances of having a pre-mature birth. It is therefore, advisable to have an 18 months gap between every child birth and conceiving again, this also allows your body to go through full recovery before the next pregnancy. In the bid of achieving this, lactating mothers have turned to exclusive breast feeding as a means of avoiding getting pregnant. But can you get pregnant while Breastfeeding?
Contrary to what many think, this is actually not a myth, but a pregnancy control method. Lactational Amenorrhea Method, which is made up or two words Lactational (in relation to breastfeeding) and Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual flow) is what Wikipedia describes as “a temporary family planning method based on the natural effect of breastfeeding and fertility.” In a layman’s language, it is a temporary contraceptive method that happens before the body regains its menstrual flow and many think they cannot get pregnant while Breastfeeding
However, healthcare providers advise that getting pregnant while breastfeeding is very possible if this method is not adhered to religiously. Study shows that every breast feeding mother develops prolactin hormones which help with the milk production, it also suppresses progesterone and estrogen hormones hence stagnating ovulation. This means that the more milk you produce the lesser your chances of conceiving.
The three main prerequisite steps to a successful Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
- Practice exclusive breastfeeding
This is a six months period of complete breast feeding without any additional feed be it water of formula. The feeding is to be done at an interval of every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours in the night.
- Stick to the recommended age
Lactational Amenorrhea Method is done within the first six months after birth, and it’s advisable not to go beyond this period.
- Watch out for your menstrual flow
Breast feeding is known to affect fertility and having your menstrual flow is a red alert that you should watch out for.
It therefore goes without saying that LAM seizes to be a contraceptive option the moment these conditions change or the baby is beyond 6 months. Most mothers look out for menstrual flows as an indicator of an active fertility which obviously mean they are soon to ovulate but unknown to them ovulation can as well happens before the flow. If this happens when not in use of any birth control methods then you’ll certainly get pregnant.
Ovulation is a midnight thief who creeps in at the most unusual hours, it helps to watch out for the sign, and take precaution in time.
Some signs to watch out for include:
- The outcome of an Ovulation Predictor Test
This is more like a pregnancy confirmation test kit usually done at the comfort of your home. Simply dip it into your urine and study the two lines carefully. If the test line turns out darker than the other line then your ovulation time is around the corner. There are varieties of ovulation Predictor test kits, try using a simpler one for easy interpretation. Get help if not familiar with it. It is also good to note that women battling Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may not get accurate results from the test kit.
- Increase of the Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus is an Estrogen (hormone) stimulated fluid found in the cervix. This fluid normally increases during ovulation and form a white substance like an egg. It is through the fluid that the sperms swim into the reproductive system. On a normal day this fluid is stickier, less creamy and dry, learning the pattern may save you much trauma. Watery and creamier cervical mucus is a sign of full ovulation.
- An exaggerated Sexual Desire
Nature surely knows how to take its course. Often we are told, ‘when the deal is too good, think twice.” If the libido keeps souring then it’s obviously after something and this could be a good time to take an ovulation test. Asides the sexual desire you may also notice a little of depression, anxiety and stress.
- A spiked up Basal Body Temperature
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is the normal temperature reading your body records when completely at rest. It may vary slightly all through the day based on the food you eat, your health condition, hormones, sleep habits, and the day’s activities, but when it rises without any provocation then your progesterone hormones could be rising and that causes ovulation. To keep up with your Progesterone hormones you might as well track your BBT.
- Breast Sensitivity
This happens mostly after ovulation than before, and is brought about by the hormones produced during ovulation. They make the breast more tender and sensitive though not always. However, this is not so much of an assurance as breast tenderness can also be caused by fertility drugs.
- Mittelschmerz Pain (Lower abdominal pain)
Mittelschmerz is a severe abdominal pain that occurs either during or just before menstrual pain and is associated with ovulation. This pain normally checks in just before ovulation which in a woman’s circle is the highest fertility period. The pain varies though in every woman and those with chronic pain could be showing symptoms of either Pelvic Adhesion or Endometriosis which needs a doctor’s urgent attention.
- Checking Cervical Position
Unlike the normal days that have the cervix lower and closed, ovulation comes with a big difference. A few days to ovulation, the cervix usually moves a little higher above its normal position, it also gets much tender and very sensitive to touch. You can always test this during intercourse, be keen on the cervix tunnel and how much it opens up. Alternatively drive your fingers through the tunnel and evaluate the distance to the cervix and also the mucus viscosity.
As shocking as it may sound to your ears, getting pregnant while Breastfeeding is so much possible and the best bet out of it may just be a reliable contraceptive method. Ovulation varies from time to time, it may take several months to come mostly if you are on an exclusive breastfeeding journey, unless you are practicing LAM religiously do not assume or ignore an ovulation possibility. Talk to your doctor for a medical certain ability and better advice.