Evidence-Based Method
Mind-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.

Last verified:

Breastfeeding Birth Control (Mind-Body & Cycle Practice)
Method at a Glance
Efficacy

98 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy in a year.

Typical use effectiveness rate.

DurationUp to 6 months postpartum
Cost$0–$300
ReversibilityReversible
STI ProtectionNo
PrescriptionOTC
The details

What the evidence says

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

How well it works
98%(perfect use: 98%)

Moderately effective: over 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

How was this measured?▾

Over 98% effective when all three LAM criteria are met: baby under 6 months, exclusive breastfeeding, no periods returned. The 2% failure rate at 6 months is from the WHO Bellagio Consensus (1989), which CDC MEC endorses. Guttmacher does not include LAM in its contraceptive effectiveness table.

Source studyBellagio Consensus statement on the use of breastfeeding as a family planning method (1989, PMID 2656086)
Cost & insurance
$0–$300

Free as a method; optional lactation consultant support may cost $100-$300 if needed

Insurance CoverageVaries
Duration & reversibility
Lasts forUp to 6 months postpartum
Reversibility
Reversible
STI ProtectionNo
The science
Clinical classLactational amenorrhea method (LAM)
How it works in the body

Exclusive breastfeeding suppresses the hormones that trigger ovulation. High prolactin from frequent nursing keeps estrogen and progesterone low, preventing the return of menstrual cycles.

Regulatory status
StatusEvidence-Based Method
Used forBirth control
PrescriptionOTC
Side effects

No significant side effects reported in clinical literature.

Who shouldn't use this
  • •Baby over 6 months old(Conditions that end the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) breastfeeding criteria)
  • •Periods have returned(Conditions that end the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) breastfeeding criteria)
  • •Not exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeeding(Conditions that end the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) breastfeeding criteria)
  • •Use of supplemental formula or solid foods(Conditions that end the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) breastfeeding criteria)
Clinical Guidelines
CDC

U.S. MEC Category 1 (no restriction); 98% effective with criteria met

View Guideline
The full picture

What to know about Breastfeeding Birth Control

How it works

The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) uses exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation after childbirth. Frequent nursing keeps prolactin high, which suppresses the hormones that trigger ovulation and the return of menstrual cycles.

How well it works

LAM is over 98% effective 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. If any of these criteria change, you need to switch to another method.

Where to get it

LAM is free and has no hormones or devices. It does not protect against STIs. Lactation consultants can help you establish and maintain the breastfeeding pattern needed for LAM to work.