Q1. I have delivered 3 months back. I haven't still got my first period? Am I protected against next pregnancy?

A. Breastfeeding does prevent ovulation & offers fair protection against next pregnancy. But this cannot be relied upon. It is not necessary to get periods to conceive again. Hence every mother must consult the doctor for contraceptive advice after the baby is 6 weeks old. The commonest contraceptive measure used is loop (IUCD: Intrauterine Contraceptive Device). It is best to plan the next pregnancy after the child's second birthday.

Q2. My child is 8 months old. I am pregnant again. Can I continue to breastfeed my baby?

A. A pregnant mother can continue to breastfeed. However breastfeeding may have to be stopped if you are at risk of abortion or a premature delivery. Six weeks after this delivery you must take contraceptive advice to avoid pregnancy again for at least 3 years.

Q3. I have adopted a baby 15 days back. Is it possible for me to breastfed this child?

A. This is possible. Your motivation is the single most important factor to achieve this task. You will need help from a Mother Support Group or a doctor well trained in lactation management. There are plenty of examples to corroborate this fact. Many grandmothers have succeeded to breastfeed when eventuality arose.

Q4. Is breastfeeding possible after a breast reduction surgery?

A. Breastfeeding is possible after a breast reduction surgery. Such mother should receive all help & motivation to breastfeed successfully. Even in those cases where majority of milk ducts have been cut at least partial breastfeeding may be possible due to formation of new ducts.

Q5. My sonography report shows that I have twin pregnancy? Is it possible for a mother to breastfeed both the babies successfully?

A. Even mothers with twin babies breastfeed successfully. However you will need lot of motivation & help from your family members to achieve it.

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