How Can Breastfeeding Prevent Pregnancy?

Written by Cindy Maudsley on July 29, 2022

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Can breastfeeding stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy? In this article, we will explore the science behind breastfeeding and ovulation, and you can decide for yourself if it is an effective birth control method.

There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of breastfeeding and whether or not it can prevent pregnancy.

Some people swear that it is an effective birth control method, while others claim that it doesn’t work at all. So, what is the truth?

Is breastfeeding a form of birth control?

It is a common misconception that breastfeeding can act as a form of birth control.

While it is true that breastfeeding can help to prevent pregnancy, it should not be used as a sole method of contraception.

How does breastfeeding stop ovulation?

One of the main reasons why breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy is because it suppresses ovulation.

When a woman is breastfeeding, her body produces a hormone called prolactin.

This hormone is responsible for milk production, but it also has the side effect of suppressing ovulation.

In fact, studies have shown that women who are exclusively breastfeeding (meaning they are not supplementing with formula or solid food) have a very low chance of ovulating.

Does breastfeeding always stop ovulation?

No, you don’t always stop ovulating when you’re breastfeeding.

You should also be aware that your prolactin levels will start to decrease as your baby starts to sleep through the night.

This means that ovulation could start to occur again, so it is important to be vigilant about birth control if you are still breastfeeding and don’t want to get pregnant.