Compare

Breastfeeding Birth Control vs Fertility Awareness

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.
  • Fertility Awareness Tracking body signs like temperature and cervical mucus to identify fertile days and avoid unprotected sex then.
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.
Fertility Awareness Tracking body signs like temperature and cervical mucus to identify fertile days and avoid unprotected sex then.
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.

Fertility Awareness Least effective
CostBreastfeeding Birth Control $0 Fertility Awareness $0–$20 Insurance: Varies
DurationBreastfeeding Birth Control Up to 6 months postpartumFertility Awareness Ongoing daily tracking
ReversibilityBreastfeeding Birth Control ReversibleFertility Awareness Reversible
STI protectionBreastfeeding Birth Control NoFertility Awareness 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.

Fertility Awareness

Track basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cycle length to identify the fertile window. Avoid unprotected sex or use backup contraception on fertile days.

PrescriptionBreastfeeding Birth Control Not required Self-DirectedFertility Awareness Not required Self-Directed
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
Fertility Awareness
  • Irregular cycles that make fertile window prediction unreliable
  • Inability to track consistently
  • Recent childbirth, breastfeeding, or perimenopause (cycles unstable)

Key differences

Breastfeeding Birth Control's effectiveness was measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it is not compared with Fertility Awareness's. How long it lasts: Breastfeeding Birth Control, up to 6 months postpartum; Fertility Awareness, ongoing daily tracking. Breastfeeding Birth Control: costs $0. Fertility Awareness: costs $0–$20.