Contraception during lactation

Abstract

The probability of pregnancy is very small during the first 2 months after delivery if the mother breast-feeds. The risk remains small for 6 months if the mother is fully breast-feeding her infant, is still amenorrhoeic and the child does not receive additional food. Under these conditions there is only about a 2% chance of pregnancy. Even full breast-feeding does not inhibit ovarian function after 6 months. Breast-feeding is a very important and efficient contraceptive method in the developing countries, but it is also a useful method in developed countries during the early puerperium. Barrier methods and progestogen-only hormonal methods (pills, implants and injectables) are the primary contraceptive alternatives during breast-feeding. They have no adverse effects on lactation, the condition of the infant or on maternal ovarian function. Sterilization is only a good alternative if the family wants a permanent method of contraception. Careful insertion of an IUD is possible even before the first menstrual period. Puerperal insertion of an IUD needs expertise and training because of the vulnerability of the very soft puerperal uterine wall. Combined oral contraceptives diminish milk production and therefore combined oral contraceptives are not recommended during lactation.