Breastfeeding As Birth Control

I often get asked about using breastfeeding as a method of birth control or Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), especially with women who plan on breastfeeding exclusively. So here are some guidelines about using breastfeeding as a method of contraception:

1. Breastfeeding can and will delay the return of ovulation and menstruation.
2. In most women, your cycle will resume before you get pregnant again, however some women can ovulate and get pregnant before they even have a period.
3. In women who are exclusively breastfeeding with babies under 6 months old, less than 2% will get pregnant before they have a cycle. After baby turns 6 months old, the number of women who may get pregnant before having a period goes up to 10-15%.
4. In order to successfully use breastfeeding as a method of birth control:
   1. A woman should breastfeed exclusively or almost exclusively for the first 6 months
   2. Breastfeed frequently without long intervals, both night and day, ie. 8 to 10 times or more in 24 hours
5. Remember that breastfeeding as birth control is only effective as long as your period has not resumed. Once your cycle resumes, or your start supplementing your baby’s diet, you need to use an additional method of birth control.

For more information about using breastfeeding as birth control, talk to your provider or to a lactation consultant.