EBF and not using any protection

[Colourmeblue]

So me and OH first dtd about 3 weeks post partum. We are being careless, but doctor told me not to worry that i dont need contraception as im exclusively breast feeding. Im not silly and know that its still possible to get pregnant (even though that chance is prob slim), but the thing is i really am not ready to go on contraception, i wanna give my body a break, after the nine months of pregnancy and then the post baby hormones, iv really had enough of hormones for a while! i just want to be 'me' for a while before i go back on contraception. And condoms we both hate. Am i being really silly and big time risking another pregnancy, or is it really rare to ovulate so soon after baby while still breast feeding? p.s. lo is 8 weeks old now. xx

 

[SunnySue]

I don't know how likely it is to get preg while ebf but as you say it definately can happen. Have you thought about the coil for contraception? From my understanding it is not hormonal so may suit you? X

 

[Bonfire Bride]

I wouldn't risk it personally as it certainly is not 100% protection. How would it affect you if you were to fall pregnant again, so soon after little one was born? I understand that there's "never" a good time to have a baby but it's your choice to decide whether you want your body to be subjected to more "hormones" or potentially become pregnant again with a very young baby. The choice of contraception you can have will also be determined by breastfeeding so it might be an idea to go to your local family planning to discuss.

We will use condoms when we start having sex, WAY WAY too soon at the moment though

 

[Me, My Girls & I]

I fell preg at 8 weeks post partum when breastfeeding! It definitely can and does happen! I'd look into contraception of some kind if you don't want to risk another pregnancy so soon xx

 

[Bonfire Bride]

I spoke to my midwife today and she told me that it has to be EXCLUSIVELY - so if you are expressing, the protection decreases. Not sure why, but made me think of this thread xx

 

[l_maclean]

No contraception is 100% if you don't wanna get pregnant and want 100% reassurance then don't have sex!!!


BF can be 98% effective as contraception (the same as the pill) but there are a number of rules which have to me met.

LO should be under 6 months (effectiveness drops after this)

Should be exclusively BF - no skipping feeds using EBM or Formula

Must feed at least every 4hours, or 6 overnight. (This catches many people out as they don't realise that LO sleeping through the night can negate the contraceptive effects!)

Once you've have a period it doesn't matter if your following the rules, ovulation has re started and the contraception isn't valid.

 

[Colourmeblue]

Also posted this thread on breast feeding section. I have since yesterday started the mini pill, as reading eveyones replies got me a little worried! We do want another lo, but not this soon! I'd hate to think how my body would handle another pregnancy so soon, and i want lo to have a bit of time by herself before having another x

 

[MiniVoid]

I wouldn't risk it, but surely there is still a risk of infection?