Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding? What You Need to Know About the Lactational Amenorrhea Method.
Many new mothers believe breastfeeding prevents pregnancy, but is it true?
In this article we will explore the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) as a natural form of contraception.
My goal within this post is to explain how LAM works, its effectiveness, and what new parents should know.
Overview
What is the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)?
How does the Lactational Amenorrhea Method work?
How effective is the LAM?
Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Pros & Cons of using LAM as birth control.
Alternative options for postpartum moms.
Where to Learn More
Key Takeaways
What is the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)?
According to Science Direct, “The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is the informed use of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method.”
Breastfeeding influences your hormones in a way that can temporarily suppress ovulation, which is why LAM works.
Prolactin, the hormone responsible for breastmilk production, rises when your baby nurses frequently.
High levels of hormones such as prolactin can prevent the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn reduces the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)—two key hormones necessary for ovulation.
By preventing the maturation and release of an egg from the ovaries, breastfeeding delays the return of fertility.
But what’s the catch?
The effectiveness of prolactin in suppressing ovulation is dependent upon certain conditions being met. If these conditions are not met, prolactin levels may drop, causing ovulation, and possibly a pregnancy to occur.
In short, breastfeeding suppresses ovulation, and conception cannot occur without ovulation.
So How Does the Lactational Amenorrhea Method Work?
As stated on by the CDC, these 3 conditions must be met in order to use LAM as a form of contraception.
Amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation)
Fully or nearly fully breastfeeding
Being less than 6 months postpartum
Follow the guide below to see if LAM may be effective for you.
Your menstrual periods have not returned yet.*
Your baby is exclusively breastfed (feeds at the breast at least every 4 hours during the day and at least every 6 hours at night)**
Your baby is less than 6 months old
*Lochia, or the bleeding experienced immediately postpartum does not count as your menstrual period.
**Some sources state this time may be closer to every 2-3 hours throughout the day, and no less than every 4 hours overnight.
Once you no longer meet 1 or more of these criteria, you will need to seek out alternative methods for preventing pregnancy.
How effective is LAM?
Assuming all of the criteria are met, LAM is considered to be 98% effective!
Planned Parenthood states, “When you do it perfectly, the LAM birth control method can be about as effective as hormonal contraceptives (like the pill). About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born.”
So, can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?
In short, yes. It is important to note that no form of contraception is 100% effective.
While LAM is highly effective when used correctly, its effectiveness drops when certain criteria are no longer met.
Parents hoping to use LAM should also note that LAM will not be effective if a breast pump is used. In order to be effective, your baby must suckle directly at the breast.
It is also important that your baby be exclusively breastfed, and not receive anything besides breastmilk, this includes formula and solid foods.
Pacifier use should also be limited to ensure your baby is not being discouraged or delayed from coming to the breast to suckle.
If you are using LAM, you should be aware of your body’s signs that signal the return of fertility including an increase in fertile quality cervical fluid.
Because ovulation occurs before a period, it is possible to get pregnant before experiencing your first period.
A fertility awareness educator with experience in postpartum charting can help interpret what you’re seeing, and offer clarity and guidance.
Pros & Cons of using LAM as birth control.
Next, we will explore the pros and cons of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method to assist you in making an informed choice on whether or not this form of natural birth control is right for you.
Pros:
Cost: FREE
Hormone free
Available Immediately
Highly compatible with exclusive breastfeeding goals.
Cons:
Temporary - (can only be used until the return of menstruation or until 6 months postpartum, whichever comes first)
Requires dedication to breastfeeding frequently, and exclusively
Does not offer protection against STIs
As with any form of birth control, there is the risk of unexpected ovulation and pregnancy.
Alternative Options for Postpartum Moms
Postpartum can be a confusing time in terms of determining the return of fertility.
Luckily, postpartum moms have multiple options to choose from!
Barrier Methods, such as male or female condoms
Hormonal Contraceptives such as the mini pill or the IUD
The non-hormonal copper IUD
The Marquette Method of Natural Family Planning
Various fertility awareness methods that rely on tracking the body’s natural signs of fertility including cervical mucus and basal body temperature, and that have protocols for their use during the postpartum period.
You should have a discussion with your doctor to decide which form of contraception is right for your unique situation. Your doctor can also help you determine the correct time to start using your chosen method, and its compatibility with breastfeeding.
These options can complement or replace the Lactational Amenorrhea Method.
Where to Learn More
If you’re currently breastfeeding, postpartum, or just curious about managing your fertility without the use of hormones or barrier methods, reach out to a Fertility Awareness Educator today!
A Fertility Awareness Educator can help you learn to interpret your body’s natural signs of fertility in order to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
Contact us today to see how we can help you understand your body better.
Key Takeaways:
LAM is a natural birth control method effective only when specific conditions are met.
Breastfeeding exclusively can delay ovulation, but it’s not foolproof for preventing pregnancy.
LAM won’t work if you feed your baby anything besides breastmilk, including formula. LAM also won’t be effective if you use a breast pump.
Alternative contraceptive methods may be necessary after LAM’s effectiveness ends.
A Fertility Awareness Educator can help you learn to interpret your body’s natural signs of fertility in order to achieve your family planning goals.
Need Extra Breastfeeding Support in New Castle, PA?
We offer 1:1 in home feeding assessments with our Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) within 50 miles of New Castle, PA.
Outside of this range? We offer virtual visits too!
See our Lactation Offerings Here.
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Disclaimers: The information contained in this blog post is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as health or medical advice. The information provided is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. We expressly recommend that you seek advice from a medical professional familiar with your specific situation.
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