Compare

Breastfeeding Birth Control vs Copper IUD

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

Last verified Updated

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.
  • Copper IUD A small copper device placed in the uterus that works for up to 10 years and is over 99% effective.
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.
Copper IUD A small copper device placed in the uterus that works for up to 10 years and is over 99% effective.
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.

Copper IUD 99.2% typical use

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

CostBreastfeeding Birth Control $0 Copper IUD $0–$1,167 Insurance: Usually
DurationBreastfeeding Birth Control Up to 6 months postpartumCopper IUD Up to 10 years
ReversibilityBreastfeeding Birth Control ReversibleCopper IUD Reversible
STI protectionBreastfeeding Birth Control NoCopper IUD 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.

Copper IUD

Releases copper into the uterus, which interferes with sperm movement and fertilization and may prevent implantation.

PrescriptionBreastfeeding Birth Control Not required Self-DirectedCopper IUD Required In-Person Procedure
Side effectsBreastfeeding Birth Control None reportedCopper IUD
  • Heavier or longer periods (especially first few months)
  • Increased cramping
  • Spotting between periods
  • Small risk of uterine perforation at insertion
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
Copper IUD
  • Active pelvic infection or PID (FDA label)
  • Uterine abnormality that distorts the uterine cavity (FDA label)
  • Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder) (FDA label)
  • Known copper allergy (FDA label)
  • Current pregnancy (FDA label)

Key differences

Breastfeeding Birth Control's effectiveness was measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it is not compared with Copper IUD's. How long it lasts: Breastfeeding Birth Control, up to 6 months postpartum; Copper IUD, up to 10 years. A prescription is needed for Copper IUD, not for Breastfeeding Birth Control. Breastfeeding Birth Control: costs $0. Copper IUD: costs $0–$1,167.