Birth Control Options for Breastfeeding Moms
Updated December 29, 2014.
A diaphragm (or its smaller alternative, a cervical cap) is a barrier device. These cannot be used until it has been six weeks since you have given birth. Both the diaphragm and cervical cap must also be fitted by your doctor. They are inserted into the vagina and block the cervix. Both are used with spermicidal cream, so that the device blocks the sperm and the cream immobilizes it.More »
This is a hormone-free IUD. It has copper coiled around the device and is inserted by your doctor. ParaGard provides 10 years of pregnancy protection, but can be removed at any point before the 10 years are up.More »
Also known as behavioral methods, these breastfeeding birth control methods do not rely on any devices or hormones. Natural methods consist of behaviors you can naturally do to help prevent pregnancy.
If done correctly, LAM can postpone ovulation for up to six months after giving birth -- so if there is no egg being released, there is nothing for a sperm to fertilize. Continuous breastfeeding is effective because the hormone that triggers milk production also prevents the release of the hormone that signals ovulation. Remember, though: you should not rely on this method for more than six months or if you have had a period since giving birth. Also, LAM is only effective if you breastfeed your baby at least 6 times a day with both breasts and do not alternate other foods for breast milk. You must also be breastfeeding your baby every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night.More »
NFP methods rely on monitoring different body changes to determine when ovulation occurs. They include symptom-based methods (like the Billings method) and calendar-based methods (like the Standard Days method). Although there is no rule that says NFP cannot be considered as a breastfeeding birth control choice, the World Health Organization cautions that using fertility awareness methods may be less effective in breastfeeding women. It is suggested that you wait to rely on NFP options until you have begun to notice fertility signs (such as cervical mucus), you have had at least three post-partum periods, and you have begun to substitute breast milk with other foods.More »
If you know that this baby is your last, you can always consider permanent options as your breastfeeding birth control choice. Remember, sterilization should be thought of as permanent and non-reversible. If you are still feeling "hormonal" while breastfeeding or are experiencing any post-partum depression, you may wish to postpone the decision to seek permanent birth control until you are in an emotional place where you feel confident in making this choice.
Permanent methods for women include traditional, surgical tubal ligation procedures -- usually referred to as having your tubes tied. Keep in mind that tubal ligation requires anesthesia, which can pass into your breast milk and can affect your baby (usually drowsiness that may result in difficulty with feedings). Another permanent option is called Essure. This is a non-surgical alternative to tubal ligation and doesn’t require anesthesia. Both approaches work by sealing off or blocking the fallopian tubes. This way, eggs cannot travel to the uterus and sperm cannot enter the fallopian tubes to reach an egg.More »
Male sterilization has no effect on breastfeeding. After a vasectomy, a man’s body still makes semen, but it will not contain any sperm. Men can choose between traditional vasectomies where a small incision is made in the upper part of the man’s scrotum or the no scalpel vasectomy where the surgeon punctures the skin, so no incisions are made.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010. MMWR Early Release 2010;59 May 28:1-86.
Riordan, J. & Wambach, K. (2009). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.More »
Diaphragm
A diaphragm (or its smaller alternative, a cervical cap) is a barrier device. These cannot be used until it has been six weeks since you have given birth. Both the diaphragm and cervical cap must also be fitted by your doctor. They are inserted into the vagina and block the cervix. Both are used with spermicidal cream, so that the device blocks the sperm and the cream immobilizes it.More »
ParaGard
This is a hormone-free IUD. It has copper coiled around the device and is inserted by your doctor. ParaGard provides 10 years of pregnancy protection, but can be removed at any point before the 10 years are up.More »
Natural Methods:
Also known as behavioral methods, these breastfeeding birth control methods do not rely on any devices or hormones. Natural methods consist of behaviors you can naturally do to help prevent pregnancy.
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Continuous Breastfeeding (Lactational Amenorrhea Method)
If done correctly, LAM can postpone ovulation for up to six months after giving birth -- so if there is no egg being released, there is nothing for a sperm to fertilize. Continuous breastfeeding is effective because the hormone that triggers milk production also prevents the release of the hormone that signals ovulation. Remember, though: you should not rely on this method for more than six months or if you have had a period since giving birth. Also, LAM is only effective if you breastfeed your baby at least 6 times a day with both breasts and do not alternate other foods for breast milk. You must also be breastfeeding your baby every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night.More »
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Natural Family Planning (NFP)
NFP methods rely on monitoring different body changes to determine when ovulation occurs. They include symptom-based methods (like the Billings method) and calendar-based methods (like the Standard Days method). Although there is no rule that says NFP cannot be considered as a breastfeeding birth control choice, the World Health Organization cautions that using fertility awareness methods may be less effective in breastfeeding women. It is suggested that you wait to rely on NFP options until you have begun to notice fertility signs (such as cervical mucus), you have had at least three post-partum periods, and you have begun to substitute breast milk with other foods.More »
Permanent Options:
If you know that this baby is your last, you can always consider permanent options as your breastfeeding birth control choice. Remember, sterilization should be thought of as permanent and non-reversible. If you are still feeling "hormonal" while breastfeeding or are experiencing any post-partum depression, you may wish to postpone the decision to seek permanent birth control until you are in an emotional place where you feel confident in making this choice.
Female Sterilization
Permanent methods for women include traditional, surgical tubal ligation procedures -- usually referred to as having your tubes tied. Keep in mind that tubal ligation requires anesthesia, which can pass into your breast milk and can affect your baby (usually drowsiness that may result in difficulty with feedings). Another permanent option is called Essure. This is a non-surgical alternative to tubal ligation and doesn’t require anesthesia. Both approaches work by sealing off or blocking the fallopian tubes. This way, eggs cannot travel to the uterus and sperm cannot enter the fallopian tubes to reach an egg.More »
Vasectomy
Male sterilization has no effect on breastfeeding. After a vasectomy, a man’s body still makes semen, but it will not contain any sperm. Men can choose between traditional vasectomies where a small incision is made in the upper part of the man’s scrotum or the no scalpel vasectomy where the surgeon punctures the skin, so no incisions are made.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010. MMWR Early Release 2010;59 May 28:1-86.
Riordan, J. & Wambach, K. (2009). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.More »
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