An Aptaclub initiative to support & encourage breastfeeding in Ireland

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Conceiving and breastfeeding

Although an unreliable contraceptive method, breastfeeding can affect fertility. In some cases, even if the mum’s menstrual cycle has resumed, exclusive breastfeeding suppresses ovulation.

When the amount of breastfeeding decreases, for instance when solids are introduced, ovulation is likely to occur before menstruation.

If you don't want to get pregnant, your doctor or nurse will advise you on a suitable contraceptive. If you want to use breastfeeding as an effective birth control method, you need to follow the lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM). Healthcare professionals believe that LAM is the most effective when you are exclusively breastfeeding, your baby is less than six months old and you have no periods. Ask your doctor about LAM or contraceptives suitable for breastfeeding mums.

If you are breastfeeding and trying for another baby but cannot conceive, this is what you can do to encourage fertility:
  • space out the interval in between breastfeeds
  • cut down or eliminate night-time feeds. If your baby is still very young, you will have to use formula as a top up
  • lower the length of feeds
  • introduce solids if your baby is six months of age.
If you are already pregnant and are still breastfeeding, you can continue to do so even after your new baby is born. This is called tandem feeding.

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An Aptaclub initiative to support & encourage breastfeeding in Ireland

Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, research has shown that one of the reasons cited by mothers for this is lack of support. That is why we created a website to support breastfeeding and help mums with their nursing for as long as they wish. For over 50 years we have been committed to learning from the natural benefits of breast milk with an ongoing programme of research that now involves over 250 scientists, paediatricians and nutritionists. Although our nutrition products include infant products, we have always stressed, both in our literature and advertising, that breast milk is the perfect food for babies. It is because of this we strongly believe that www.mumslikeus.ie, a comprehensive website to support other national breastfeeding initiatives means we can work together to provide the support to mothers during this challenging and exciting time in order to improve and sustain breastfeeding rates in Ireland the long term. This is in line with the Aptaclub mission to make a difference to the long term health of babies in Ireland..

How Mumslikeus can help parents

Breastfeeding offers amazing, life-long, health benefits for mums and babies, is kind to the environment and, last but not least, is natural, free and convenient.

It is easy to feel bombarded by conflicting advice and feel uncertain about your baby’s wellbeing. We have created this online community to assist you at every stage of your breastfeeding journey through expert information, peer support and interactive tools. If requested, we can send you emails touching on what to expect at particular stages of your journey so you are prepared and fully supported all the way.

Dads and partners too can feel isolated and it is often hard to see a partner struggle and feel unable to offer any support. For this reason we have included a section for dads and partners who want to find out all about breastfeeding and how to help their partner throughout the journey.

Get in touch to help Mumslikeus support you

If you feel there is anything missing or you’d like us to address a specific concern, please get in touch and let us know how we can better support and encourage your own successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience. Email ask@mumslikeus.ie or call our dedicated careline between 8.30 and 5.30pm Monday to Friday – Freephone 1800 283054.

An Aptaclub initiative to support & encourage breastfeeding in Ireland