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Breastfeeding Birth Control vs Withdrawal

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

Last verified October 11, 2026Updated October 12, 2026

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.
Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to reduce the chance of sperm reaching the egg.

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.	Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to reduce the chance of sperm reaching the egg.
Efficacy	Breastfeeding 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.	Withdrawal 80% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Breastfeeding Birth Control $0	Withdrawal $0
Duration	Breastfeeding Birth Control Up to 6 months postpartum	Withdrawal Per act
Reversibility	Breastfeeding Birth Control Reversible	Withdrawal Reversible
STI protection	Breastfeeding Birth Control No	Withdrawal No
How it works	Breastfeeding 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.	Withdrawal The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation to keep semen out of the vagina. Pre-ejaculate may contain some sperm. A 2024 pilot study found sperm in about 13% of pre-ejaculate samples, though roughly 75% of participants had no sperm in any sample.
Prescription	Breastfeeding Birth Control Not required Self-Directed	Withdrawal Not required Self-Directed
Who shouldn't use this	Breastfeeding Birth Control Baby over 6 months old Periods have returned Not exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeeding Use of supplemental formula or solid foods	Withdrawal Partner unable to withdraw consistently before ejaculation Need for highly effective contraception

Key differences

Breastfeeding Birth Control's effectiveness was measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it is not compared with Withdrawal's. How long it lasts: Breastfeeding Birth Control, up to 6 months postpartum; Withdrawal, per act.