Since the dawn of time, women have heard that it’s not possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding—especially from our grandmothers. Is that why they had so many children? Lol. Women who are breastfeeding do have more difficulty getting pregnant during this period, but it absolutely can happen. That’s why, nowadays, most women already leave the maternity hospital with a prescription for birth control to prevent pregnancy during breastfeeding.
But doesn’t birth control pass into the milk and harm the baby? Yes, regular birth control does pass into breast milk and should not be used during the entire breastfeeding period, but there are types that can and should be used at this time, helping to prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding. The recommendation is that they should be started 15 days after the baby is born1.
Research shows that 2 to 15% of women who don’t use any contraceptive methods get pregnant during this period. Looking at the statistics, it’s a relatively small number, but is it worth the risk? After the baby’s birth is already a tiring and overwhelming period of adjustment—imagine going through the whole process and the first months with a newborn while also facing a new pregnancy? Nausea, fatigue, sleepiness, general discomfort, and everything else that comes with pregnancy, plus having to wake up several times a night and be available for the little one. Not easy, is it?
As we mentioned above, the chances of getting pregnant while breastfeeding are minimal, and this happens because women who breastfeed on demand—offering the breast whenever the baby wants—prevent ovulation from occurring. But it’s important to note that those who alternate with bottles or other foods are already at risk of ovulating. The “prevention” only occurs for those who breastfeed 100% on demand and very frequently. If one of these factors fails, pregnancy can happen, and that’s a risk that should be taken knowingly, understanding the chances of a new pregnancy.
Risks of Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding
For women who have just given birth, or even those whose babies are between 2 and 6 months old, exhaustion and fatigue are inevitable. Taking care of a baby requires complete attention and 100% of our effort and dedication. Pregnancy, with all of its especially hormonal changes, is a huge process2 and any woman who has been pregnant knows how difficult it can be, so just imagine going through both moments of total commitment at the same time? Children are truly wonderful, but when they come at a planned and expected moment, it’s even better, since we are prepared to give everything for them in the most fruitful and pleasurable way possible—having another baby to care for at the same time can make dividing your time complicated.
As for the danger of getting pregnant while breastfeeding, it isn’t a major issue unless you have problems with miscarriages or are at risk of miscarriage. If you have been through this before, your doctor may ask you to stop breastfeeding your baby, since sucking at the breast can cause uterine contractions and pose risks to the new pregnancy. If there is no complication, you can keep breastfeeding your baby with no worries. One fact is that with the new pregnancy, breast milk may change in taste and your baby might spontaneously stop breastfeeding, and the production and quantity of milk can decrease due to hormonal changes.
Another point mentioned by moms who have had this experience is increased breast sensitivity. During pregnancy, breast sensitivity rises dramatically, and many women even experience pain3. So, dealing with this sensitivity while breastfeeding may not be easy, since breastfeeding itself can already be uncomfortable due to oversupply or improper latch, which can wound the nipple. Another thing to keep in mind is breastfeeding with a growing belly! In the first few months it’s normal, but as your belly starts showing and you get to the last months of pregnancy, it can get harder for the baby to latch and, consequently, to continue breastfeeding. However, there are several positions that can make this process easier.
If your baby doesn’t reject breast milk even with your new pregnancy, keep breastfeeding even after the birth of your second baby. However, always prioritize the newborn, as they have a greater need for the essential vitamins found in breast milk than the older child. Keep an eye on your older child’s weight gain, but never forget about the mother’s health, which often gets put on the back burner when children arrive! Pay attention to your own body’s signs, since the double workload can leave you weakened and even cause anemia. For a mom to take care of her babies healthily, she also needs to be well, healthy, and very willing! Breastfeeding is wonderful!!
See also: Contraceptives During Breastfeeding – The Most Common Types and When to Start
