How long does breastfeeding work as birth control?

Understanding Breastfeeding as Birth Control
Breastfeeding can serve as a natural form of birth control, particularly through a method known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). This approach relies on the body’s natural hormonal responses during breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, thereby reducing the likelihood of pregnancy. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon specific conditions and is generally limited to the first six months postpartum.
How Long Does It Work?
LAM can be effective for up to six months after childbirth, provided certain criteria are met. To maximize its effectiveness, mothers must breastfeed exclusively, meaning the baby receives no other food or drink, and must do so frequently. Specifically, breastfeeding should occur at least every four hours during the day and every six hours at night. Under these conditions, studies indicate that about 2 out of 100 women using LAM will become pregnant within this six-month window.
Conditions for Effectiveness
For LAM to work effectively, three key conditions must be satisfied:
1. Age of the Baby: The baby must be six months old or younger.
2. Exclusive Breastfeeding: The mother must breastfeed exclusively, without supplementing with formula or solid foods.
3. Amenorrhea: The mother must not have resumed her menstrual periods.
If any of these conditions are not met, the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method diminishes significantly. For instance, if a mother begins to introduce other foods or if her menstrual cycle resumes, the likelihood of ovulation increases, which can lead to pregnancy.
Limitations and Considerations
While LAM can be a reliable method of birth control during the early months of motherhood, it is not without its drawbacks. The method requires a high level of commitment to exclusive breastfeeding, which may not be feasible for all mothers due to various personal, health, or lifestyle factors. Additionally, the window of effectiveness is limited; once the baby reaches six months, the risk of pregnancy increases substantially.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding can serve as an effective form of birth control for a limited time, it requires strict adherence to specific breastfeeding practices and is not a long-term solution. Mothers should consider their individual circumstances and consult healthcare providers to explore additional contraceptive options as they transition beyond the six-month mark.

How can I prevent unwanted pregnancy while breastfeeding?

You can start using the shot, implant, Skyla and Mirena IUDs, and some types of birth control pills (called mini-pills) right after giving birth. You may be able to get an implant or IUD in the hospital or at your postpartum checkup. Implants and IUDs are super effective, and prevent pregnancy for several years.

How effective is breastfeeding as birth control?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

How long is breastfeeding a form of birth control?

But many doctors recommend that you also use another method of birth control. After 6 months, even if you breastfeed only and your period has not returned, you must use another form of birth control if you do not want to get pregnant. You can get pregnant before your first period.

How can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

How long to stop breastfeeding before getting pregnant?

If your little one is older and eating solid foods, your chances of ovulating and risk of pregnancy increases. Some moms will find it takes more than six months for their cycles and fertility to return, while other mothers find that their cycles and fertility return earlier than six months.

Does breastfeeding make you more fertile?

How does breastfeeding affect fertility? Women who aren’t breastfeeding may ovulate (release an egg) as early as 5 to 6 weeks after the birth. However, if you’re breastfeeding, your hormones don’t return to pre-pregnancy levels until much later, and this delays ovulation and the return of periods.

Can a breastfeeding mother get pregnant without seeing her period?

“You can’t get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.” Maybe you’ve heard this myth before…and we should warn you, it’s just that—a myth! The truth is you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned to normal.

What are signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

Signs of Pregnancy While Breastfeeding

• A dip in your milk supply. “You’ll most likely experience a rather sudden drop in milk production when first becoming pregnant,” says Kurke.
• Nipple and breast tenderness. Breastfeeding alone can keep your chest and nipples feeling tender and sore.
• Fatigue.

Can you still get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding. That said, it’s a little more complicated than that!

Can you fall pregnant while breastfeeding and no period?

“You can’t get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.” Maybe you’ve heard this myth before…and we should warn you, it’s just that—a myth! The truth is you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned to normal.