 Women who are breastfeeding have special needs when selecting a family
planning method. Family planning counselors should be sure to inquire whether the client
is breastfeeding and offer complete information about each method including any possible
effects it may have on the quality and quantity of her breastmilk.
Methods can be classified into three categories based on their effect on
breastfeeding.
1st Choice Methods
These methods do not interfere with breastfeeding and are safe to use any time after
birth:
- LAM (for up to six months)
- Condoms (also the best protection against AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases)
- Diaphragm
- Spermicides
- IUD (non-hormonal)
- Natural Family Planning (breastfeeding disrupts the signs and symptoms of fertility,
which may make charting difficult)
- Vasectomy
- Tubal Ligation
2nd Choice Methods
Methods under this category contain the hormone progestin. In most cases, these methods do
not affect a woman's milk supply. However, to avoid any risk, it is recommended to wait
six weeks after delivery before using a progestin-only method, which include the
following:
- Mini-pill
- Injectables (such as Depo-Provera®)
- Implants (such as Norplant®)
3rd Choice Methods
These methods contain the hormone estrogen which can reduce a woman's milk supply. Women
should be informed of this risk and advised to delay the use of such methods until at
least six months postpartum. However, if the breastfeeding woman chooses this method,
she can continue breastfeeding and should be encouraged to do so for its numerous health
benefits.
- Combined oral contraceptives
- Combined injectables
The client should be fully informed about all available methods and supported in her
decision, regardless of which method she chooses.
This page was adapted from the original web site of the Institute for Reproductive
Health, a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
under the terms of Cooperative Agreement DPE-3061-A-00-1029-00. Information (photos
excluded) and publications may be reproduced, adapted, and disseminated without
permission, provided the Institute for Reproductive Health is acknowledged and the
material is distributed free of charge, or not for profit.
The LAM section was originally developed by Shirley Coly |
