Question

Why breastfeeding the baby acts as a natural contraceptive for the mother?
A. Decrease in production of FSH by pituitary during lactation
B. Decrease in production of LH by pituitary during lactation
C. Increase in production of adrenalin
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

The regulation of conception by preventive methods or devices to limit the number of offspring is called birth control.
The birth control methods which deliberately prevent fertilization are referred to as a contraception method. The contraceptive methods presently available are of three main types- temporary, permanent, and medical termination of pregnancy.

Complete answer: Temporary methods are further of many types - natural methods, barrier methods, physiological devices, abstinence.
Natural methods of contraceptives include periodic abstinence method, coitus interruptus, lactational amenorrhea. Lactation is the production of milk in the female’s breasts following the birth of a young one in mammals. The secretion of prolactin and oxytocin depends on suckling produced by the nursing infant.
Milk secretion is maintained as long as breastfeeding, and hence hormone production continues.
Prolactin inhibits the release of LH from the pituitary and counters the effects of FSH and LH on the ovarian follicles. Hence, in nursing mothers, the menstrual cycle is suppressed.

So, the correct answer is “Option D ”.

Note: Lactational Amenorrhea( absence of menstutration method ) is based on the fact that ovulation and therefore the menstrual cycle does not occur during the period of intense lactation following childbirth (parturition). As a result chances of conception are almost nil as long as the mother fully lactates. This method is considered effective only upon a maximum period of six months following parturition and has no side effects.