Parents sitting down and interacting with their baby

Is Breastfeeding Effective Birth Control?

Terressa Patterson RN BSN MS IBCLC

In partnership with Dr. Brown's Company

Breastfeeding can act as a natural contraceptive using the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), but it must meet specific criteria to be effective:

  • Baby is under 6 months of age
  • Baby is exclusively breastfed, including at night (no solids, formula, bottles, or pacifiers)
  • Baby is not going more than 4 hours between daytime feeds or 6 hours at night
  • Mother has not resumed menstruation

LAM is more than 98 percent effective when followed strictly. It works by suppressing the hormones (GnRH, LH, FSH) that trigger ovulation. Prolactin, which supports milk production, remains high and disrupts the hormonal signals needed for the menstrual cycle to resume.

Once any of the above conditions change, LAM becomes unreliable. At that point, additional contraception should be considered. Progestin-only pills, IUDs, or barrier methods are commonly recommended for breastfeeding parents, as estrogen can reduce milk supply in some cases.

DISCLAIMER: THIS CONTENT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information contained is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely solely on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

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