While breastfeeding delays mom’s ability to get pregnant, breastfeeding can only offer protection against pregnancy when the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) of contraception is used.

In order for this form of birth control to be effective you must follow strict criteria:

  • Your baby is less than 6 months old
  • Your monthly period has not yet returned (that is what Amenorrhea means
  • Your baby is fully or nearly fully breastfed
  • Your baby breastfeeds at least every four hours during the day and at least every six hours at night

Fully breastfed means that your baby gets all his food from your breast. Nearly fully breastfed means that in addition to breastfeeding and Vitamin D, your baby is only getting one or two mouthfuls per day of any other fluids or solids.

This website may provide some additional information regarding LAM click here

It is important to note that some forms of hormonal birth control can affect a mother’s milk production. If you decide to use a hormonal birth control, it is recommended that mothers use Progestin-only type which can be started after breastfeeding is well established usually at around 6 weeks after baby is born.   Talk to your health care provider for the best options.  

For more detailed information about LAM or other birth control methods you can use while breastfeeding, you can call the Parent Talk Line, speak to your public health nurse and or talk to your healthcare provider.

Video

Birth Control and Breastfeeding presented by the Middlesex-London Health Unit: LAM and other methods discussed