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Breastfeeding As Birth Control

Breastfeeding is a natural form of birth control, as it suppresses the hormones needed to return your menstrual cycle and hence your fertility. This is called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method, or LAM.


This method is the most conducive form of birth control for many breastfeeding families. If followed correctly it is 98-99.5% effective. To safely practice LAM you must meet the following criteria:


  • Your baby is under 6 months of age.
  • You are exclusively breastfeeding on cue day AND night, and baby is getting no supplementation or solid foods.
  • Your menstrual cycles have not returned.


You can further increase the protectiveness of this method by keeping your baby close (baby-wearing, co-sleeping and bedsharing for naps and nights), nursing for comfort, and using no bottles or pacifiers. You are likely to experience a further delay in the return of your cycle if you offer breastmilk before solid foods to older babies, introduce solids slowly, and continue to prioritize breastfeeding.


Barrier methods of contraception are the next best choice for breastfeeding families since they do not interfere with the hormones of the breastfeeding partner.


If you are going to use a hormonal method of birth control, use with caution. Estrogen-containing contraceptives are the most likely to impact your milk supply. Progestin-only options are preferred.


From KellyMom: “Timing for the return to fertility varies greatly from woman to woman and depends upon baby’s nursing pattern and how sensitive mom’s body is to the hormones involved in lactation.”


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