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The more often a baby breastfeeds, the longer it will take for the mother's menstrual periods to resume. If a mother breastfeeds less than eight times in 24 hours or gives other foods or drinks, or a pacifier or a dummy, the baby may breastfeed less often, causing the mother's periods to resume sooner.
It is possible for a mother to become pregnant before her periods return. This becomes increasingly likely six months after the birth.
A woman who wants to delay another pregnancy should choose another method of family planning if any of the following apply:
- her periods have resumed
- her baby is taking other food or drinks, or uses a pacifier or dummy
- her baby has reached the age of six months.
It is best for the health of the mother and her children if she avoids becoming pregnant again until her youngest child is more than two years of age. All new parents should be given family planning advice by a health worker or trained birth attendant.
Most methods of postponing pregnancy have no effect on the quality of the breastmilk. However, some contraceptive pills contain oestrogen, which can reduce the quantity of breastmilk. Trained health workers can provide advice about the best kind of contraception for a breastfeeding mother.
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