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Question
I have been breastfeeding for 12wks now,had sex after 6wks of delivery,still avent resumed period can this affect my cycle&does it affect getting pregnant?what natural means controls childbirth&is it 100% safe?
Mariam,
The only 100% effective method of birth control is abstinence. If you're not having sex, you won't get pregnant. However, since this option has obvious drawbacks, your other options would be to use condoms correctly every time, take a low dose birth control pill, or use condoms and spermicidal foam.
However, no means beside abstinence is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. There are no side effects from condoms - some people can have allergies, but there are different types of condoms if that happens - so that is the healthiest option while breastfeeding.
Like I said in your last question, you can get pregnant without having another period because you ovulate before you bleed. You could ovulate, conceive and not know it if you're having unprotected intercourse.
Best,
Catherine
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Beier MS CBE
Expertise
I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.
Experience
I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.
Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.
Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.
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