Breastfeeding as BC???

[MamaJoyce]

I am really confused so I will just discribe my situation....

 I just had my son a month ago and am still bleeding. My doctor said I can start a normal sex life again after a month before I left the  hospital, but said nothing about birthcontrol. My son is being breastfed only no formula. I've read that breastfeeding can serve as a form of birthcontrol? Is this true? How soon after giving birth can I get pregnant? Does it Matter that I am still bleeding?

[Adaline'sMama]

I know a girl who got pregnant when she was 5 weeks postpartum and she was breastfeeding. I just wanted to say that bleeding for a month after giving birth is totally normal. I bled for 37 days after giving birth to DD. I didnt wait a month to have sex, but we also used the pull out method. Everyone has a different body, and there is no way to say that "Yes, breastfeeding is birthcontrol." However, some women dont ovulate for a year or more after they give birth if they are nursing, so there is really no way to tell. I wouldnt rely on nursing to prevent pregnancy, but I also wouldnt refrain from having sex. Most doctors do a checkup 6 weeks after you have given birth. Do you plan to make an appointment with your gynecologist?

[MovingMomma]

You can use LAM (lactational amenorrhea method) for the first 6 months, or ecological breastfeeding if you want to extend the time you rely on breastfeeding as birth control farther.  Kellymom has a great overview.  If you want to learn even more, I recommend one of Sheila Kippley's books, either Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing or The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding.