Breastfeeding and birth control are compatible. Ideally, allow at least 18 months between the birth of one child and the conception of another. You and your partner have several reliable birth control options to choose from.
The following choices have no effect on the breastfeeding relationship and can generally be started soon after childbirth or the postpartum check-up:
- Lactational Amenorrhea Method (explained below)
- Condoms (male and female)
- Spermicides (foam, gel, vaginal contraceptive film)
- Intra-Uterine Device (I.U.D.)
- Diaphragm (must be refitted after childbirth)
- Vasectomy (permanent for male)
- Tubal ligation (permanent for female)
There are also hormone-based contraceptives. If you decide to use a hormonal birth control, it is recommended that mothers use progestin-only type birth control which can be started after your baby is 6 weeks old.
Hormone-based birth control choices include:
Progestin-only:
Estrogen and progestin:
- Birth Control Pill
- Birth Control Patch
- Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
Also see this Health Unit pamphlet on Breastfeeding and Contraception (Birth Control) for more information.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
LAM is an effective form of birth control, but only if you answer yes to all of the following statements:
- My baby is less than 6 months old.
- My monthly period has not yet returned (this is what “Amenorrhea” means). My baby is fully or nearly fully breastfed (see below for definitions of “fully” or “nearly fully” breastfed).
- My 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 suckling at your breast. “Nearly fully breastfed” means that in addition to breastfeeding and Vitamin D, your baby is only receiving one or two mouthfuls per day of any other fluids or solids.
If you are not planning a pregnancy and have answered no to even one of the statements, you will need to use another form of birth control.
Also see this Health Unit pamphlet on Breastfeeding and Contraception (Birth Control) for more information.
Adapted with permission from the Best Start Resource Centre.