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Breastfeeding Birth Control vs Cervical Cap

A side-by-side comparison of two birth control methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.

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Side-by-side comparison

  • 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.
  • Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.
Method
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.
Cervical Cap A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.
EfficacyBreastfeeding Birth Control 98% typical use, in the first 6 months

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

Cervical Cap 78% typical use

Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

CostBreastfeeding Birth Control $0 Cervical Cap $0–$90 Insurance: Usually
DurationBreastfeeding Birth Control Up to 6 months postpartumCervical Cap Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)
ReversibilityBreastfeeding Birth Control ReversibleCervical Cap Reversible
STI protectionBreastfeeding Birth Control NoCervical Cap No
How it worksBreastfeeding Birth Control

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.

Cervical Cap

A small silicone cap fits snugly over the cervix and stays in place by suction, blocking sperm from entering the cervix. Used with spermicide inside the cap.

PrescriptionBreastfeeding Birth Control Not required Self-DirectedCervical Cap Required Hybrid (Fitting or Ship)
Side effectsBreastfeeding Birth Control None reportedCervical Cap
  • Vaginal irritation from spermicide
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Toxic shock syndrome risk if worn during a period
Who shouldn't use thisBreastfeeding Birth Control
  • Baby over 6 months old
  • Periods have returned
  • Not exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeeding
  • Use of supplemental formula or solid foods
Cervical Cap
  • Cervical anomaly preventing fit
  • Active pelvic infection
  • Sensitivity to silicone or spermicide
  • Inability to insert or remove reliably
  • History of toxic shock syndrome
  • High risk of HIV exposure (because of the spermicide)

Key differences

Breastfeeding Birth Control's effectiveness was measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it is not compared with Cervical Cap's. How long it lasts: Breastfeeding Birth Control, up to 6 months postpartum; Cervical Cap, reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged). A prescription is needed for Cervical Cap, not for Breastfeeding Birth Control. Breastfeeding Birth Control: costs $0. Cervical Cap: costs $0–$90.