Many effective birth control methods are safe to use while breastfeeding or chestfeeding. A healthcare professional can help you decide which option is best for you.
If you’re concerned about preventing pregnancy while breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor about your options. You might want to avoid forms of birth control that contain the hormone estrogen, as it has been linked to decreased milk supply.
Breastfeeding alone only slightly reduces the chance of pregnancy for the first 6 months — and only if you’re breastfeeding exclusively and feeding your baby at least every 4 to 6 hours.
That said, there are still plenty of options available to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Keep reading to learn more.
At more than 99% effective, IUDs are the most effective birth control method on the market. IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). There are two types of IUDs available: hormonal and nonhormonal. Both are available by prescription only.
A nonhormonal IUD, also known as a copper IUD, is considered a
You can have an IUD placed immediately after giving birth, but it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor to understand whether this is your best option.
To reduce the risk of infection, many doctors may recommend waiting until you’ve healed and you no longer have any postpartum bleeding. Also, if the IUD is placed too soon, it may become dislodged.
If you decide you would like to get pregnant again, you can have your IUD removed and start trying right away.
Traditional birth control pills contain a mixture of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Some people
If you’d like to use an oral contraceptive, the minipill is an option. This pill contains progestin only, so it’s considered safer to take while nursing. The pill is typically available only by prescription but may be available over the counter (OTC) in some states.
As with many other progestin-containing contraceptives, you can start taking the minipill 6 to 8 weeks after you deliver your baby. It’s about 93% effective at preventing pregnancy.
You may notice that your milk supply decreases when you’re using hormonal birth control. To overcome this, it may be helpful to nurse more often and pump after feeding for the first few weeks that you take the minipill. If your milk supply continues to drop, consider speaking with a lactation consultant for advice on increasing your supply.
Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
As the name implies, a barrier method blocks sperm from entering your uterus and fertilizing an egg. There are a variety of options available, and all are OTC.
The best part? You can start using barrier methods as soon as you’re cleared for sexual intercourse after the birth of your baby. These methods don’t contain any hormones that may disrupt your milk supply.
Condoms
Condoms work by blocking the sperm from getting into your vagina. They are also the only form of birth control that helps protect against STIs.
When used “perfectly,” condoms are about 98% effective. Perfect use means using a condom every time, from start to finish — in other words, there is no genital contact before a condom is put on. Perfect use also assumes that the condom doesn’t break or slip off during intercourse.
With “typical” use, that number lowers to about 87% effective. This accounts for all the mishaps that may occur during intercourse.
Sponge, cap, or diaphragm
The following barrier methods are also available:
Sponge
This is a piece of polyurethane foam that you insert into your vagina. The sponge blocks sperm from entering your uterus. It’s about 86% effective with typical use. However, it may be less effective if you’ve recently given birth.
Cervical cap
You can place a cap in your vagina up to 6 hours before intercourse. The only brand available in the United States is called the FemCap. It’s 71% to 86% effective.
A cap is available by prescription only, as a healthcare professional will need to fit you for the correct size. If you used one before you got pregnant, you’ll need to be refitted because your cervix will change with pregnancy and delivery.
Diaphragm
This is a small silicone cup that you can insert into your vagina up to 2 hours before intercourse. It fits over your cervix to prevent sperm from reaching your uterus.
A healthcare professional will need to fit you for a diaphragm and refit you after childbirth because your cervix will change, and it may no longer fit.
You should always use spermicide with the diaphragm.
The contraceptive implant Nexplanon is the only other LARC available. It’s more than 99% effective and is safe to use while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
This small, rod-shaped device is about the size of a matchstick. A doctor will insert the implant under the skin on your upper arm.
You can have the implant placed immediately after delivery. You can also have it removed if you choose to get pregnant again.
The natural family planning (NFP) method, also called fertility awareness, is hormone-free, which means it’s safe to use while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
However, it requires some attention to detail. There are several ways to approach NFP, but the key is to pay close attention to your body’s signals.
For example, you’ll want to pay attention to your body’s natural rhythm and how long your cycle is. You might also take your basal body temperature each morning using a special thermometer. This can help you look for spikes or dips in temperature, which help indicate ovulation.
But it can be difficult to predict when your fertility will return after giving birth. Most people who have given birth don’t have a menstrual period before they start ovulating again. The first few menstrual cycles you have may be irregular and different from what you’re used to.
Because your cycle may be somewhat unpredictable while you’re nursing, it can be helpful to use a backup method, such as condoms, a cervical cap, or a diaphragm, in addition to NFP methods.
If you don’t want to have another child, sterilization may be a good option for you. Female sterilization is known by many names, including tubal sterilization, tubal ligation, and “getting your tubes tied.”
This is a permanent form of birth control that involves cutting or blocking your fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
Tubal ligation doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle. Some people choose to have this procedure done after vaginal childbirth or during a cesarean delivery.
A doctor or a lactation consultant is your best resource for determining when you can safely return to nursing after undergoing this surgery and taking medications, such as pain relievers.
Although tubal ligation may be reversible, the odds are very low. You should explore sterilization only if you’re completely sure that you don’t want to give birth again.
What about the morning-after pill?
If you think your birth control has failed, it’s safe to use the morning-after pill while you’re nursing. This pill should be used only as a last resort, not as a regular form of birth control. It is available OTC or at a reduced cost by prescription.
Although progestin-only pills are preferred, taking a combination pill shouldn’t have a long-term effect on your milk supply. You may experience a temporary dip, but it should return to normal.
Your fertility may return at any time after you deliver your baby, regardless of whether you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
There are many birth control options that you can discuss with a doctor. Choosing the right method for you is a personal decision. Generally, people who are nursing should avoid forms of birth control that contain estrogen because it may affect milk supply.
If you have more questions about safe birth control methods and your fertility while nursing, consider making an appointment with a doctor or a lactation consultant.