am I being careless thinking breastfeeding is enough of a contraceptive?!

[RolsGirl]

My DS is 6 months, and still feeds on demand throughout the day and night, so I haven't been bothered worrying about getting preggers again(although I definately DON'T want to be for a good while!). I have heard mixed things about this- that it's ok as long as he still feeds at least every 3-4 hours, that it's ok til food replaces feeds- he is taking some solids- has been for about a month- but he still feeds just as much (if not more because he's teething so is ALWAYS hungry). TMI I know, but is it OK as long as DH pulls out?!

No, you're not loopy. You've had bad advice.

I think there's nothing wrong with relying on breastfeeding if you wouldn't mind getting pregnant again. There's a point, isn't there, post-baby when you definitely don't want to get pregnant, then there's a sort of point where you're not trying, but you wouldn't mind too much if it happened.

If you're in the second stage, and fancy taking a (benign) risk, then go for it. But if you really don't want to get pregnant, go for something else.

I did this..... And got pregnant. Doh! Not doing it a second time round. Lesson learnt.

Worked as contraception for me (who didn't want it to), not for 2 of my sils and another friend (who did!). There's no way of knowing if it will work for you unless you try, not recommended if as you say, you really don't want to get pregnant.

As for withdrawal, I know some people rely on this, but you do know that a few sperm can come out before ejaculation, right?

yeah I learnt that a few years ago! I would like to get pregnant again, but I had an emergency C section with my son so don't think I want to for another couple of years. Definately going to sort something out so I don't get preggers now!

My MW was most deffo against this as a method that works but then she was also dealing with aonther mum was was the living proof this doesnt work

The pill isn't safe when bfing baby boys? Ummm, according to who?

I'm on the mini-pill so I can bf DS and be protected against pregnancy. GP prescribed it to me knowing I was bfing DS, doubt he would have if it was harmful.

You are being careless. Perhaps you do want another baby which is another question. But you've already got the answer to this question already from the midwives. So why are you posting on here?

read the small print and you'll see there is no conclusive evidence. The doc prescribed it to me. It probably is harmless, but they don't know for sure. Google it and you'll see this is the case. There are going to be traces that reach your baby throught the breast milk- it is a personal choice to be ok with that or not, and I'm not, is all.
Celticfairy, I just wanted to see other people's experiences. Also, if you read the posts, you'll see my midwife actually advised EBF as a form of natural contraception. Sorry if this annoyed you.

kellymom has info about using bf as contraception

Thank you so much Seona1973 I wish everyone would read this so they would know my question is not that absurd. I read something similar to this ages ago, and now baby is 6 months just wanted to see what people thought out there. Kellymom says there is a 6% chance I could get pregnant under the current conditions I am breastfeeding. He feeds throughout the day and night and is always close to me. But I am still not sure if I want to continue to take this risk, so I am going to explore other options at the docs.

Rolsgirl - that's fair enough re. you not being sure about the pill when bf. I'm prepared to take my chance with that rather than crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.

I did read the small print and decided that I'd stick with the pill as I quite like being on the pill and I don't want another DC at the minute.

What you're doing isn't 100% right or 100% careless, it's your body and your choice.

Rols, it isn't absurd at all that you asked! Definitely better to triple check (or receive 62 confirmations ) than take the risk, particularly when you've received such conflicting advice from health care 'pro's'

Some pills can cause a little harm to some babies, but theres a pill you can take whilst breastfeeding. Also many doctors believe that breast feeding can stop you gettin pregnant thats why if you ask for morning afterpill they ask if your breastfeeding. Everyone has there own opinion and will do what they please but my opinion is id NEVER RECOMMEND the pill as i fell oregnant of 2 different pills, but i dont regret my babys :-) best things thats evee happened

The pill they give you when bfing is Cerazette as it doesn't impact the amount of milk produced. That's the one I'm on. 7 months of usage and I'm not pregnant - result!