Birth Control and Breastfeeding

I have been chastised by many among the breastfeeding community for encouraging the use of contraceptives to those who do not wish to become pregnant while breastfeeding.

Don’t get me wrong, the LAM or lactation amenorrhea method if done correctly, can be up to 98% effective as a form of birth control. But in my area, the majority of moms are not exclusively breastfeeding so this method is not even an option.

I will discuss the LAM later in this article.

I never suggest hormone based contraceptives while breastfeeding, not even the “mini pill”. Many doctors will tell you that the lighter dose birth control pills or progesterone only pills will not effect your milk supply. I beg to differ. I see time and time again, moms lose precious milk supply when they start oral contraceptives.

So, what do I suggest? Barrier methods: condoms, IUD, and diaphragms. That is it. Just that simple.

Now to explain the LAM as your family planning method while breastfeeding.There are certain criteria that you must meet to consider this your method:

1. Baby is exclusively breastfeeding, meaning infant is suckling ON DEMAND at the breast at least every 3-4 hours all day and all night

2. Baby is still nursing at night .

3. Your period/ menses has not returned.

4. The infant is less than 6 months old.

Pumping or regularly skipped emptying reduce the effectiveness of this method. On the flip side, moms who co-sleep have a higher success rate with this method.

There are some variations of this method, if you wish to read more you can web search these terms: ecological breastfeeding, LAM, Lactation Amenorrhea Method,.

What about if you DO want to get pregnant while breastfeeding?The main “trick” to make this happen is to make an abrupt change in your nursing pattern. Many moms simply wean a night feed (only recommended if child is over 1 year). This simple adjustment will often cue the body to ovulate.

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