Mothers who don't want more children right away should use contraception even while nursing. Hormone injections and implants are safe during nursing, as are all barrier methods of birth control. The labeling on birth control pills says if possible another form of contraception should be used until the baby is weaned. Breast-feeding is economical also. Even though a nursing mother works up a big appetite and consumes extra calories, the extra food for her is less expensive than buying formula for the baby.
Nursing saves money while providing the best nourishment possible.
When Formula's Necessary There are very few medical reasons why a mother shouldn't breast-feed, according to Lawrence. Most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, skin infections, or diarrhea, cannot be passed through breast milk. In fact, if a mother has an illness, her breast milk will contain antibodies to it that will help protect her baby from those same illnesses. A few viruses can pass through breast milk, however. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is one of them.