This is one of the most frequently asked questions after birth. Many women  assume they can’t get pregnant after birth since menstruation hasn’t started. Some also have the perception that it takes three to six months for fertility to return and so use it as a free period only to end up with surprises and unplanned pregnancies.

Let’s get this clarified. As women our bodies are different and we can’t generalize everything. We are unique. After birth the hormone prolactin helps in the production of milk, the more you breastfeed the more it is produced and  helps prevent pregnancy since the levels of other hormones that aid fertility will go down.

So women who breastfeed day and night without any other substitute can rely on this for some time to prevent pregnancy reliably for six weeks.  How reliable and effective this method is depends on the individual and also how well she breastfeeds. It may work for someone for six months but not for everyone!!!

Another issue is that some women think you can’t get pregnant until you start menstruation. This is totally false. You can be pregnant! Ovulation can occur even if you haven’t menstruated. Some women become fertile just six weeks after birth. Menstruation can also resume as well.

My advice.. Breastfeed exclusively day and night and visit the family planning unit for counseling and also to take a method of contraception during your postnatal visit at six weeks. There are methods that do not interfere with breastfeeding. If you want to use the natural family planning method, midwives can as well help you.

Avoid surprises by taking the right steps…

Thank you.

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