Is EP a form of birth control?

Question

My husband and I had sex for the first time since I had my son and we didn't use anything for protection. I don't think I've gotten my period back yet but I'm still freaking out. Does exclusive pumping prevent pregnancy to any degree?? I'm kicking myself over here 😖

Answer

Ovulation tends to be delayed because of breastfeeding/pumping and that's due to prolactin, a hormone secreted telling your body to produce milk. While it's less likely you could get pregnant, it's still entirely possible!

I actually had high prolactin levels before I got pregnant, it's what made conceiving so difficult but I eventually did conceive on the high levels so it's definitely possible.

Answer

Oh that's tough.  I've read that even exclusive breastfeeding isn't a guarantee. And with pumping instead of nursing, there isn't the extra non-nutritional nursing that keeps ovulation at bay, like nursing for comfort or 'conversationally' (like a pacifier, just because, quick snack, to calm down or drift to sleep, etc)

Is EP a form of birth control?

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