Lisa P asks:
I have a five month old, breast fed from birth. I have, on occasion given him
cereal or a vegetable.(He loves it!) I would like to begin a supplement
maybe once a day whether it be cereal in the morning or a fruit at
lunch for example. What I am worried about is getting pregnant by
doing so. Will this decrease in nursing (because of the supplement)
really be enough to affect my suppressed ovulation? I am also taking
birth control pills (Progestin only pills) meant to be taken when
nursing. Is there a "middle of the road" here where my baby and I can
have the best of both worlds, or is it all or nothing when it comes to
nursing my baby and being protected?
Lisa, be assured that the progestin only pill , if taken
regularly and at about the same time every day, should protect you from
pregnancy. The progestin pill is prescribed to more than just nursing mothers
and provides good protection from pregnancy, although a few percentage points
less than estrogen containing pills.If you were not using any sort of birth control, you would be
advised to begin some sort at around 6 months in order to prevent
pregnancy, because many women ovulate prior to their first period. But
the pill should prevent you from ovulating whether you are nursing or
not. Here is more information on Progestin-Only Pills (POPs).
For those who are nursing with out birth control, you should be aware that
there are some "ground rules" to the 98% protection from pregnancy rule. These include:
- Exclusively breastfeeding, no solids or other liquid supplements
- Nursing at night on demand, preferably cosleeping
- Nursing frequently and on demand during the day. The more frequently you nurse,
the longer until you resume menstruation
- If you have a period before 6 months, you are "disqualified".
For more information see The LAM site.
These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your
healthcare provider if you have questions.
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