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			contraception : natural methods Breastfeeding nature's way of spacing babies
	more natural methods physical devices medication surgical emergency		What is the contraceptive effect of breastfeeding my baby? If you are feeding your baby only milk from your breasts, it is quite likely that your periods will not return for a number of months. If this is the case for you, then you probably won't get pregnant during the first 6 months of breastfeeding. After your baby is 6 months old, the contraceptive effect of breastfeeding decreases, especially if you start having your periods. The contraceptive effect of breastfeeding decreases when your periods return or you start giving your baby formula or foods other than breast milk. Complete information about using breastfeeding as a contraceptive is available through your clinician. Advantages: Breastfeeding doesn't cost anything and can be convenient. It is about 98% effective as a contraceptive for the first 6 months. Breastfeeding helps your womb return to normal and helps you return to your normal weight. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. "BREAST IS BEST!" It encourages bonding between you and your baby. Breast milk is also very nutritious, and it gives your baby greater immunity against infection because it contains antibodies. Support groups for breastfeeding moms are plentiful in most U.S. cities. Call 1-800-LA LECHE for information and the name and number of a woman near you that you may call. Disadvantages: Breastfeeding does not keep all women from having their periods, and is not an effective contraceptive after your periods return. It is difficult to tell when breastfeeding stops working as birth control. This method works best if you feed your baby your breast milk ONLY. If feeding your baby more than breast milk, use a spoon rather than a bottle (if you are trying to get the best contraception from breastfeeding.) If you work, pumping milk from your breasts often helps improve the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a contraceptive. Some women are bothered by having a dry vagina while breastfeeding. This is normal. Intercourse may be more comfortable if you use a lubricant for sex, such as Astroglide, Aqua Lube, or KY jelly. If you are breastfeeding, you must be willing and able to eat lots of healthy foods. Where can I learn more? Call La Leche League at 1-800-LA LECHE for free information. What if I am depending on breastfeeding, my period returns, and I have unprotected sex? For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER unprotected sex, you can have an IUD put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.		natural methods abstinence fertility awareness  -symptothermal  -temperature charting breastfeeding outercourse coitus interuptus
			Last Update: 12/13/2005

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