What Does Breastfeeding Mean for Fertility?
The impact of breastfeeding on fertility has been neglected by research in recent years. There can be significant variation in when the menstrual cycle returns for parents, which can impact their plans for family expansion. Some who conceived easily before breastfeeding, can find it much more difficult to conceive while breastfeeding. Some who struggle with recurrent miscarriage can wonder if breastfeeding is impacting their ability to carry to term. Many are left wondering whether to wean their nursling in order to conceive again, which can be a very difficult decision to make, when that conception is uncertain. This presentation will review the research on how breastfeeding affects the menstrual cycle, how fertility is initially suppressed and how it returns, the ongoing effect that breastfeeding can have on fertility, how to use breastfeeding as a contraceptive method (if desired), how to maximise chances of conception (if desired) and whether it may affect a pregnancy after conception has occurred.
This lecture was originally offered as part of the GOLD Lactation Conference 2023.
Carol Smyth is an IBCLC and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist working in a busy private practice in Northern Ireland. With a background in psychology she is driven by a passion to promote attachment based and trauma informed care to families and babies. She is the author of the Why Infant Reflux Matters book, both an HCP education resource and a self-help book for families worried about their baby’s reflux symptoms. Her interest in fertility while breastfeeding began when breastfeeding and wanting to grow her own family, and finding that research on the topic was very scant. Pulling together what was available she created a series of resources on her website, which are highly viewed.
1. Describe 2 ways in which lactation affects the menstrual cycle
2. Assess the efficacy of breastfeeding as a contraceptive / the impact on family expansion
3. Define 3 ways pregnancy affects lactation, and/or how lactation may affect pregnancy
The impact of breastfeeding on fertility has been neglected by research in recent years. There can be significant variation in when the menstrual cycle returns for parents, which can impact their plans for family expansion. Some who conceived easily before breastfeeding, can find it much more difficult to conceive while breastfeeding. Some who struggle with recurrent miscarriage can wonder if breastfeeding is impacting their ability to carry to term. Many are left wondering whether to wean their nursling in order to conceive again, which can be a very difficult decision to make, when that conception is uncertain. This presentation will review the research on how breastfeeding affects the menstrual cycle, how fertility is initially suppressed and how it returns, the ongoing effect that breastfeeding can have on fertility, how to use breastfeeding as a contraceptive method (if desired), how to maximise chances of conception (if desired) and whether it may affect a pregnancy after conception has occurred.
Accreditation
CERPs - Continuing Education Recognition Points
Applicable to IBCLC Lactation Consultants, Certified Lactation Consultants (CLCs), CBEs, CLE, Doulas & Birth Educators. GOLD Conferences has been designated as a Long Term Provider of CERPs by IBLCE--Approval #CLT114-07. This program is approved for 1 L-CERP.
Dietetic CPEUs - Continuing Professional Education Units
Applicable to Dieticians & Nutritionists, this program is approved for 1 Dietetic CPEU by the Commission on Dietetic Registration - the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Midwifery CEUs - MEAC / NARM Contact Hours
This program is accredited through the Midwifery Education & Accreditation Council (MEAC) for 1 Contact Hour (0.1 MEAC CEU).
It is also recognized by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) for 1 CEU/Contact Hour. Please note that 0.1 MEAC CEU is equivalent to 1.0 NARM CEU/Contact Hour.
Nurse Contact Hours
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation for 1 Nursing Contact Hour.
- View this presentation in its entirety, under your individual GOLD login info
- Successfully complete a post-test (3 out of 3 questions correctly answered)
- Fill out the Evaluation Survey
If you have already participated in this program, you are not eligible to receive additional credits for viewing it again. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Additional Details
Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
Tags / Categories
(IBCLC) Pharmacology and Toxicology, (IBCLC) Physiology and Endocrinology, Lactation & Fertility
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