Most breastfeeding women want to prevent pregnancy. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective contraceptive methods available for nursing mothers, including breastfeeding itself!

Breastfeeding as Birth Control:

Breastfeeding greatly benefits both mothers and children. Exclusive breastfeeding can also serve as a natural contraceptive. Known as the Lactational Amenhorrhea Method (LAM), breastfeeding as birth control is free, safe, and effective up to 6 months after delivery. Used correctly, LAM is 95-98% effective at preventing pregnancy. For the method to work, the woman must exclusively breastfeed (meaning no food, no formula!). She must nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night. If her period returns or the interval between feedings lengthens before the baby is 6 months old, the mother must begin to use another contraceptive method.

Breastfeeding and Birth Control:

Progestin-only methods (the pill, injection, and implant) and IUDs are great options for most breastfeeding women. Timing of initiation varies by method. Estrogen-containing methods are generally not recommended while breastfeeding, especially during the first 3-6 weeks postpartum. However, if initiated 6 weeks after delivery or later, the estrogen-containing methods’ advantages generally outweigh their possible risks. The Medical Eligibility for Initiating Contraception Chart provides detailed recommendations on timing of initiation for each method.

Although breastfeeding can be a great natural contraceptive method, the LAM method is not for everyone. It’s a good idea to inform nursing patients of other methods they can use safely while breastfeeding. Effective contraception helps to lengthen the interval between births, thus improving the health of mothers and babies.

We appreciate your feedback! Please write us at pearls@reproductiveaccess.org with any questions, comments or additional resources to add to our list.

Helpful Resources

Medical Eligibility for Initiating Contraception

Birth Control Choices Chart

Sources

Tepper N, Curtis KM, Jamieson DJ, Marchbanks PA. Update to CDC’s U.S. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, 2010: revised recommendations for the use of contraceptive methods during the postpartum period. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2011;60:878-83.

Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep June 18, 2010;59(RR04;1-6).

World Health Organization. Combined hormonal contraceptive use during the postpartum period. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2010.

Pharma-free

The Reproductive Health Access Project does not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies. We do not promote specific brands of medication or contraception. The information in the Contraceptive Pearls is unbiased, based on science alone.