Can breastfeeding work as a form of birth control? Can it stop your period and prevent pregnancy? If you're breastfeeding, you've probably heard this claim. As a Certified Lactation Counselor, I’m here to provide clarity on whether breastfeeding truly affects fertility.
Can Breastfeeding Prevent Pregnancy?
The answer is yes, but with important caveats. Breastfeeding produces the hormone prolactin, which can suppress ovulation for a period of time. However, this varies widely between mothers and babies, known as the "breastfeeding dyad." Some women find that breastfeeding suppresses their cycles for six months, others for a year, and still others may not resume menstruation until they stop breastfeeding entirely.
However, some mothers may still ovulate while breastfeeding, and since you ovulate before getting your period you could end up with a surprise pregnancy. The method used to use breastfeeding as a form of birth control is called the LAM ( Lactational Amenorrhea Method) Method. This method can be reliable if a mom is exclusively breastfeeding, hasn’t had a period within 2 months of having her baby, you’re not supplementing with food, water, or other liquids, and your baby is less than 6 months old. The success of this method is 98%. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association “ studies have shown that, if women achieve 6 months of successful LAM use, continue their breastfeeding frequency when they introduce complementary feeding, and breastfeed first before the complimentary food at each feeding, they may have continued high efficacy of the LAM.”
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
Using breastfeeding as birth control is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). This method can be effective under specific conditions. For LAM to work as reliable birth control, all of the following must apply:
You are exclusively breastfeeding, meaning no formula, solid foods, or liquids for your baby.
You haven’t had a menstrual period since giving birth.
Your baby is under six months old.
When these conditions are met, LAM can be 98% effective as a temporary birth control method. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, studies show that women who meet these criteria for six months and then continue breastfeeding before offering any complementary foods can often maintain high effectiveness in delaying the return of fertility.
What Are the Risks?
It’s essential to note that some mothers may ovulate while breastfeeding, even without having a period. Since ovulation precedes menstruation, this can lead to an unexpected pregnancy. So, while LAM can be effective, it’s not foolproof ( however what birth control is?) and its reliability decreases as babies nurse less frequently or begin to consume solid foods.
Considering Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding
For mothers wanting to avoid hormonal birth control, LAM offers a natural option, which can also be paired with condoms for added security. If you’re considering hormonal birth control, be mindful of its effects on milk supply. Progestin-only options, such as the mini-pill, are typically recommended after six weeks postpartum, as estrogen-containing birth control can reduce milk supply. From my experience, I’ve seen the Depo-Provera shot cause milk supply issues even when taken after six weeks, so always consult your doctor about birth control options to choose a method compatible with your breastfeeding goals.
Using breastfeeding as part of your family planning approach can be a great option, but it’s essential to understand the guidelines and potential limitations of LAM. By knowing how LAM works and its conditions, you can make informed choices about your postpartum contraception and breastfeeding journey.
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