Birth control and breastfeeding

For more information

If you have any questions about birth control and breastfeeding, please talk to your physician, midwife, or call the Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937 ext. 464 (family line) or 471 (sexual health).

Methods

  • Breastfeeding
    • This method is called lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).
    • Breastfeeding is a method of birth control, but only if you answer “yes” to these statements below:1. I have not had a period since my baby was born;2. My baby gets breastmilk by sucking at the breast only;3. My baby has no more than one or two mouthfuls of liquid or food per day;4. My baby is less than 6 months old; and

      5. I feed my baby at least every 4 hours with a maximum of one 6 hour sleep stretch per day.

    • Begin another method of birth control if you answer “no” to any of these statements.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 98% for up to six months
    • Effect on breastfeeding: positive
  • ​Combined hormonal contraceptive methods (e.g., birth control pill, contraceptive patch, vaginal contraceptive ring)
    • Contain hormones (progestin and estrogen) that stop an egg from being released each month and thicken cervical mucus.  These methods are taken orally (“the pill”), worn on the skin (“the patch”) or inserted into the vagina (“the ring”).
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 92-99.7%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: estrogen may lower milk supply
  • Condom (female)
    • A polyurethane sheath that lines the vagina to stop sperm from going into the vagina. Available for FREE through our sexual health clinic.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 79-95%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • ​Condom (male)
    • A thin covering of latex or polyurethane that is rolled on the erect penis that stops sperm from entering the vagina.  Available for FREE through our sexual health clinic.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 85-98%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • ​Diaphragm/cap and spermicide, sponge and spermicide
    • Rubber barriers that are placed inside the vagina before intercourse to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 40-94%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • Emergency contraceptive (“the morning after pill” or Plan B)
    • You must take these pills (containing progestin) as soon as possible and within 5 days of having unprotected sex.
    • This is an emergency method.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 52-95%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: consult with your health-care provider about breastfeeding considerations if taking Plan B
  • ​​Fertility awareness methods
    • These methods require special teaching to understand what days you are fertile and what days you are not fertile.  They are difficult to use before your period starts again.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 75-99%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • Injectables (Depo Provera)
    • A hormone injection given by a health care provider every 3 months.  It contains progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and may stop ovulation.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 97-99.7%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: no effect on milk supply if breastfeeding well established (4-6 weeks)
  • ​Non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)
    • A small piece of plastic, usually wrapped with copper that is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider.  It usually works by preventing sperm from reaching an egg.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 99.1%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • Intrauterine system (Mirena IUS)
    • A small piece of plastic containing a hormone (progestin), that thickens cervical mucus, prevents sperm from reaching an egg and may stop an egg from being released.  A health-care provider inserts this into the uterus.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 99.8%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: no effect on milk supply if breastfeeding well established (4-6 weeks)
  • Mini pill
    • A pill containing progestin, which is a hormone that thickens cervical mucus and may stop an egg from being released.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 92-99.7%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: no effect on milk supply if breastfeeding well established (4-6 weeks)
  • ​Spermicides (foam, gel, film)
    • Spermicides contain chemicals to kill sperm.  These methods are inserted into the vagina before sex.  More effective when used with a condom.  Spermicides can irritate the vagina and increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 68-82%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • ​Tubal occlusion (female sterilization)
    • A doctor cuts or blocks the tubes that carry the eggs to the uterus.  This is done in a hospital and is a permanent method.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 99.5%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • Vasectomy (male sterilization)
    • A doctor cuts the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles.  This may be done in a doctor’s office.  This is a permanent method.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 99.9%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none
  • ​Withdrawal (“pulling out”)
    • The man pulls the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation.
    • Effectiveness (range from typical to perfect use): 73-96%
    • Effect on breastfeeding: none