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Hindustan Times
20 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Does breastfeeding delay periods? Doctor explains the truth about fertility during lactation
Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1 to 7 every year. As it wraps up, let's take a closer look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of breastfeeding: its relation to fertility. The breastfeeding period may delay periods, but that should not be mistaken as natural contraceptive.(Shutterstock) Often, there are many questions surrounding breastfeeding, periods, and conception. Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? Does breastfeeding delay periods? And is breastfeeding a natural form of birth control? With so many questions, it's easy for myths and misconceptions to take over. It becomes vital to be well-informed to get better clarity. ALSO READ: 11 common breastfeeding myths in Indian families busted Dr Swapnil Agrahari, Sr Consultant, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at SilverStreak Multispeciality Hospital, shared with HT Lifestyle a comprehensive explanation behind this connection between breastfeeding and fertility. But first, he highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding and what it means for a mother's health. He said,'It also offers long-term health benefits for the mother by reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and potentially decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.' Does breastfeeding delay periods? Breastfeeding can delay periods. (Shutterstock) Often, new mothers who are breastfeeding observe a delay in periods. Dr Swapnil Agrahari elaborated on how breastfeeding affects fertility, causing a hormonal shift in the menstrual cycle. He confirmed, 'Breastfeeding can indeed influence fertility. When a mother breastfeeds frequently, especially within the first six months postpartum and without supplementing with formula or solids, it can suppress ovulation. This natural delay in the return of menstrual cycles is called lactational amenorrhea.' Why you may still need contraception But a delay in periods does not necessarily mean that it is a guaranteed form of natural birth control. Dr Swapnil Agrahari warned against this as well, as he added, 'For some women, this can serve as a temporary form of birth control. However, this effect is neither permanent nor guaranteed.' This is a common misconception, but ovulation can begin again, increasing the chances of being pregnant. Dr Agrahari explained, 'What's often overlooked is that ovulation can resume before the first postpartum period appears. In other words, a woman may be fertile and capable of becoming pregnant, even if she hasn't had a single period after childbirth. This makes relying solely on breastfeeding for contraception risky if you're not planning another pregnancy soon.' So, how do you know if your ovulation has returned and you might be at risk of getting pregnant, even if your periods haven't? Are there any signs? Dr Swapnil Agrahari confirmed that there are signs, even if periods haven't returned. He noted, 'By the time the baby is about six months old — or even earlier if night feeds decrease or solids are introduced — ovulation may resume, even if periods haven't returned. Given this uncertainty, medical professionals strongly advise considering additional forms of contraception.' Dr Agrahari further recommended contraceptive options such as progestin-only pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, or barrier methods like condoms. He assured that these methods do not interfere with milk supply and can help new mothers take control of their reproductive choices during this transitional period. So, it is important to be clear about the common myth that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy. It may delay fertility, but Dr Agrahari reminded that it cannot be used as a substitute for planned contraception. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Zambia mandates pre-export checks of all Indian medicines to curb entry of substandard, fake drugs
New Delhi: Zambia has for the first time mandated pre-export checks of all Indian medicines destined for the African nation in a bid to curb the entry of substandard, adulterated and fake drugs. Starting 1 October, every medicine consignment must undergo document checks, physical inspection and quality testing by a laboratory appointed by the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA). Only after a Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) certificate is issued will these medicine consignments be cleared by Zambian customs. 'This regulation is being implemented to curb the entry of substandard and falsified medicines into the Zambian market and applies to all pharmaceutical products exported from India,' the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) said in a circular on its website dated 6 August. The council, with over 4,000 member-companies, said ZAMRA officially communicated the implementation of the new mandatory requirement for all pharmaceutical consignments exported to Zambia. According to the circular, all shipments with a bill of lading dated on or after 1 October 2025 must be accompanied by the CRIA. This document certifies that the products meet the required quality standards. 'Every country has the right to make quality control checks. This measure is a direct response to concerns about substandard and falsified medicines entering the Zambian market,' said an official in the know of the matter. 'Right now, a product is registered, then the customer places the order and the manufacturers start selling. Now, with Zambia's new regulatory provision, the products will be verified by them and then it will be cleared for exports to Zambia.' Zambia accounted for less than 1% of India's pharmaceutical exports in FY24. The measure comes in the backdrop of poor-quality Indian-made cough syrups that have been linked to the deaths of 84 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan since 2022. According to the circular, ZAMRA has designated Quntrol Laboratories Pvt Ltd as the authorized agency in India to conduct the verifications, inspections and testing, and to issue the CRIA. 'Exporters are requested to ensure strict compliance with this requirement to avoid any clearance issues at the Zambian border,' Pharmexcil stated. India's pharmaceutical industry, the world's third largest by volume, is a global powerhouse with a diverse product base including generic drugs, vaccines and biologics. The industry's strong global presence and significant export value highlight its importance in providing accessible and affordable medicines worldwide. In FY24, the market was valued at $50 billion, with exports accounting for $26.5 billion. India's pharmaceutical exports to Zambia reached $99.49 million during this period. Manufacturing or selling substandard, adulterated or fake drugs is a punishable offence in India. To ensure public safety, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization puts out monthly "Drug Alerts" that list medicines that fail quality checks. When a drug is found to be not of standard quality, the manufacturer is immediately required to recall the product and halt further distribution. Based on investigations, the licensing authorities can suspend or cancel permits and issue stop-production orders.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Aster to invest ₹580 crore to set up 500-bedded hospital in Yeshwanthpur
Aster DM Healthcare, a city-based healthcare firm, said it would invest ₹580 crore to develop a 500-bedded multi-specialty hospital in Yeshwanthpur, as part of its footprint expansion plan. With a planned built-up area of approximately five lakh sq. ft, the facility, which would be coming up on a Built-to-Suit (BTS) model, would take Aster's total bed capacity in Bengaluru to 2,580. The new hospital, fifth in the city, would become operational in the second half of the 2028-29 fiscal year, Aster DM said. Azad Moopen, founder and chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, 'With this new addition in Yeshwantpur, we are expanding our capacity in the city to 2,580 beds—making it one of the largest private hospital networks in a single Indian metro. Our vision is to build a seamlessly connected, high-quality healthcare ecosystem across urban India, and Bengaluru is at the heart of this ambition.' The new hospital would reflect the healthcare firm's asset-light expansion approach, using Built-to-Suit models to deliver world-class healthcare infrastructure in high-demand corridors, while ensuring capital efficiency, he said. 'Over the next few years, we aim to significantly increase our presence across South India by entering new cities and strengthening our footprint in existing ones,' Mr. Moopen added.
