Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

Whether you’re hoping to get pregnant again after having your baby or you’re looking for the best method of pregnancy prevention, you may have heard that you can’t get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding. You may be wondering, is this accurate? Short answer, no! You can get pregnant while breastfeeding! But breastfeeding can make it more difficult. Keep reading for more info.

The family-planning method of pregnancy prevention through exclusive breastfeeding is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), which includes 3 criteria which must be met in order to be effective. They are 

1. Amenorrhea (your period has not yet returned since having your baby)
2. Fully or nearly fully breastfeeding (your baby is only receiving breast milk)
3. Baby is less than 6 months old

When you exclusively breastfeed your baby—feeding on demand without supplementing with formula or solid foods—your body releases hormones that can suppress ovulation, thus preventing the return of the menstrual cycle and reducing the chances of getting pregnant. LAM is considered highly effective and is included in the WHO & CDC lists of accepted contraceptives. There is, however, more room for error than other methods and is therefore not as reliable. 

While LAM can be an effective contraceptive method when practiced correctly, there are several factors to consider that could impact its reliability:

1. The absence of a menstrual period often indicates a pause in fertility. However, it's important to note that ovulation can occur before the return of menstruation. This means that even in the absence of periods, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant.
2. The effectiveness of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method is contingent upon the frequency and intensity of nursing. A mother who breastfeeds her baby regularly, day and night, and avoids using bottles or pacifiers, is more likely to experience delayed fertility.
3. As baby grows older and begins to consume supplemental foods or formula, the likelihood of ovulation and subsequent fertility increases.

If you don’t desire another pregnancy, it is often recommended to combine LAM with additional contraceptive methods. Talk to your healthcare provider about all of your options to decide what works best for you. Ultimately, being well-informed, considering individual circumstances, and maintaining open communication with your partner and healthcare team are key to making informed decisions regarding pregnancy planning while breastfeeding.

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World Health Organization. Reproductive Health. Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. World Health Organization, 2010.

Peterson, A. E., et al. "Multicenter study of the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) III: effectiveness, duration, and satisfaction with reduced client–provider contact." Contraception 62.5 (2000): 221-230.