As a new mom who’s opted to breastfeed, you might have been told, “You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding.” You might have heard of this caution or practice from your mom or grandma, and chances are, they might have heard it from their elders.

This information has been passed on through the generations as traditional wisdom. No wonder a lot of women believe breastfeeding to be a natural form of birth control. Unfortunately, this is a complete misconception. You can get pregnant while breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle is still irregular after birth.

Whether you are a new parent or planning for the future, it’s essential to stay informed about your reproductive health and the role breastfeeding plays in it

To understand if you can get pregnant while breastfeeding, we must look at how breastfeeding impacts fertility. So, let’s delve into the science behind fertility and breastfeeding, ovulation inhibitors, and the limitations of relying on breastfeeding as a primary form of contraception and discover if it’s a fact or just a myth.

Understanding Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

The belief that breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy is based on some truth. 

LAM or Lactational Amenorrhea Method is an exclusive breastfeeding method that can potentially inhibit ovulation and is 98% effective when done correctly. “Lactational” refers to breastfeeding and “amenorrhea” means no menstruation.

But for LAM to work, a LOT of rules need to be followed. Like:

1. you must breastfeed every four hours during the day and every six hours at night.

2. your baby can only be fed breast milk.

When done correctly, this breastfeeding method will result in anovulation and, in turn, no period.

But we all know that being a new mama is already exhausting. Juggling a strict set of rules on top of taking care of yourself and your baby feels like a lot more work.

Yes, LAM can be as effective as conventional birth control, however, it only works if followed perfectly and can be used up to six months after your baby is born. This is why most experts believe that while the chances of becoming pregnant when you breastfeed are lower, breastfeeding cannot be substituted for mainstream birth control.

Does LAM always work?

LAM will work when adhered to strictly, however, there is no telling when it may stop working as you cannot predict the return of your period. Moreover, some situations may cause LAM to fail.

Here are some other reasons why LAM may not work:

• If you feed your baby formula.
• Using a breast pump because the act of nursing triggers your body to inhibit ovulation.
• Your baby begins eating solids.
• Your baby begins sleeping longer.
• Your period begins.

The science behind breastfeeding and fertility

While you breastfeed, your body begins to produce the hormone prolactin, which suppresses ovulation. While your fertility is lowered, it is not entirely non-existent (unless you stick to the strict rules of LAM). Even if you follow LAM to a tee, there is no knowing when your fertility will make a comeback.

Again, many variables can affect your fertility after pregnancy, even if you are breastfeeding—for example, your age, and how your body responds to breastfeeding hormones. It also varies from person to person; while some begin menstruating a few weeks or months after birth, for others it could take a year or more.

The fact is, you could still get pregnant while breastfeeding because you may not recognize the signs that your body is beginning to become fertile again – such as a change in vaginal mucus or degree of bleeding. Even the use of ovulation strips during this time may be inaccurate.

Recognizing pregnancy while breastfeeding

As it is possible to become pregnant while breastfeeding, often mothers do not recognize the symptoms of an unexpected pregnancy because of the changes in their body which cause sensitivity and discomfort, or because their period is irregular postpartum. 

Women who aren’t breastfeeding can become pregnant as soon as three weeks post-birth. And if you do breastfeed, it could be six weeks (this will vary if you adhere to LAM).

Whether you were relying on the LAM technique, or simply forgot to reestablish your contraceptive routine, here are some signs you are pregnant while breastfeeding: 

• Breast tenderness
• Decreased milk flow
• Lethargy
• Frequent urination
• Spotting (light bleeding)

If you experience these symptoms or suspect you are pregnant, take a home pregnancy test and visit your obstetrician for confirmation. If you are pregnant and would like to know if you need to stop breastfeeding while pregnant, read more here.

Contraception for breastfeeding mothers

After birth, if you do not wish to become pregnant for some time, there are several contraceptive options. LAM with its 98% success rate is a natural option that many mothers opt for. However, other options include:

• Hormonal methods such as mini-pills, shots, implants, or IUDs.
• Non-hormonal methods such as diaphragms, cervical caps, internal condoms, or condoms.

If you previously had, or choose to opt for an internal contraceptive, most doctors recommend waiting until the first postpartum checkup before reinsertion.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question – Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? Yes, you can. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a myth, however, it does have some basis in truth. While LAM can offer some degree of contraception, it is time-bound and variable. Overall, LAM is not bulletproof as the hormonal changes that suppress ovulation are not uniform for all women.

Therefore, it would be better to state that breastfeeding can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy but that it cannot wholly be relied upon as a form of birth control. It is always better to consult with your healthcare provider to recognize your fertility cues and introduce other means of contraception if necessary.

Sources:

1. Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? Lancaster General Health. Myth or Fact: You Can Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding.
2. Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? Cleveland Clinic. Breastfeeding? Yes, You Can Still Get Pregnant.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Australian Breastfeeding Association. Getting pregnant (or not!) while breastfeeding.
4. Breastfeeding contraception. Planned Parenthood. What’s the best birth control option while breastfeeding?