Evidence-Based MethodMind-Body & Cycle Practice

Breastfeeding Birth Control

A natural postpartum method (lactational amenorrhea method, LAM) that relies on exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, effective for up to 6 months.

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Breastfeeding Birth Control (Mind-Body & Cycle Practice)

Method facts

Breastfeeding Birth Control
Effectiveness
98% typical use, in the first 6 months99.1% with perfect use
How long it lasts
Up to 6 months postpartum
Reversibility
Reversible
STI protection
No
How you get it
Self-Directed · No prescription
Cost
$0Insurance coverage: Varies
Status
Evidence-Based Method

How well it works

98 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy in the first 6 months. Typical use effectiveness rate.

Measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it cannot be compared directly with first-year rates.

How was this measured?

When all three LAM criteria are met (baby under 6 months, full or nearly full breastfeeding, no periods), WHO reports 2 pregnancies per 100 women in the first six months as commonly used and 0.9 with consistent and correct use, which is 98% and 99.1% effective. These are six-month figures, not first-year rates. The 1989 Bellagio Consensus put protection at more than 98% in the first six months, and a multicenter study at 11 sites (Labbok 1997) confirmed 98+% efficacy. A Cochrane review (2015) found six-month life-table pregnancy rates of 0.45% and 2.45% in two controlled studies of LAM users.

Research source: WHO — Mechanisms of action and effectiveness of contraceptive methods (LAM row, six-month figures)

The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

How it works in the body

Clinical class
Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)

Full or nearly full breastfeeding prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. Frequent suckling suppresses the brain's pulses of GnRH and LH, the hormones that drive ovulation.

Side effects

No side effects are currently listed.

Who shouldn't use this

Talk to a clinician first if any of these apply

  • Baby over 6 months oldThe lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) gives adequate protection only while three conditions all hold: no periods, full or nearly full breastfeeding, and a baby younger than 6 months.
  • Periods have returnedThe lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) gives adequate protection only while three conditions all hold: no periods, full or nearly full breastfeeding, and a baby younger than 6 months.
  • Not exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeedingThe lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) gives adequate protection only while three conditions all hold: no periods, full or nearly full breastfeeding, and a baby younger than 6 months.
  • Use of supplemental formula or solid foodsThe lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) gives adequate protection only while three conditions all hold: no periods, full or nearly full breastfeeding, and a baby younger than 6 months.

Clinical guidelines

Cost and insurance

Free as a method. Health insurance plans, except grandfathered plans, must cover breastfeeding support and counseling.

Insurance coverageVaries

What to know about Breastfeeding Birth Control

How it works

The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) uses full or nearly full breastfeeding to prevent ovulation after childbirth. Frequent suckling suppresses the brain’s pulses of GnRH and LH, the hormones that drive ovulation. How suckling does this is not fully understood.

How well it works

With typical use, LAM is about 98% effective over the first six months when all three criteria are met: your baby is under six months old, you are fully or nearly fully breastfeeding, and your periods have not returned. CDC defines nearly full breastfeeding as no more than 4 hours between feeds during the day and 6 hours at night. If any of these criteria change, including starting formula or solid foods, switch to another method.

Where to get it

LAM is free and needs no prescription. It does not protect against STIs. Most health plans must cover breastfeeding support and counseling, and hospital staff and groups such as La Leche League can help you get started. You can also search our provider directory for clinics near you.

Frequently asked questions

Sources (10)
  1. Research source: WHO — Mechanisms of action and effectiveness of contraceptive methods (LAM row, six-month figures)
  2. Research source: Kennedy KI et al. 1989, Bellagio Consensus statement on the use of breastfeeding as a family planning method (PMID 2656086)
  3. Research source: Labbok M et al. 1997, multicenter study of LAM efficacy (PMID 9262927)
  4. Clinical guideline: CDC U.S. MEC breastfeeding birth control method (LAM)
  5. Research source: Van der Wijden C & Manion C 2015, Cochrane review — Lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning (PMID 26457821)
  6. Research source: McNeilly AS 2001, Lactational control of reproduction (PMID 11999309)
  7. Clinical guideline: CDC — Birth control methods (contraception overview)
  8. Research source: Planned Parenthood — Breastfeeding as birth control
  9. Research source: Planned Parenthood — What are the benefits of using breastfeeding as birth control?
  10. Clinical guideline: HealthCare.gov — Breastfeeding benefits

How we verify