Does birth control by breastfeeding really work?

Question

I read that it could for up to 6 months. Has anyone ever got pregnant while breastfeeding under 6 months?

I've seen it on alot of websites its called (The Lactational Amenorrhea Method) theres alot of stuff on it on yahoo

Answer 1

While breastfeeding MAY suppress ovulation, don't count on it.

Answer 2

Yes, but people also get pregnant breastfeeding before 6 months. Breastfeeding as natural family planning method is about 85% effective. So that's quite a failure rate.

You're best off using an ovulation method such as Creighton or Billings. That way, even when breastfeeding with wacky cycles, you can predict ovulation to avoid conception.

Answer 3

Yes it works, IF YOUR FOLLOW THE RULES AND like ANY OTHER METHOD it has a failure rate. If the failure rate is too high for you then this is not the method for you. Condoms alone also have a high failure rate (10-18% under typical use) which is why they are not appropriate when used alone for many people. However it has a very low failure rate.

For just LAM the failure rate is had a typical use failure rate of 2%. Ecological breastfeeding has a failure rate of 1% the first 6 months and 6% after 6 months.

Answer 4

I know several women who were trying to rely on breastfeeding as birth control and were unsuccessful. But on the flip side I know people who were actively trying and could not conceive because the women was still breastfeeding. I'm personally a fan of IUD when it comes to breastfeeding and contraceptives because it doesn't interfere with lactation. Hope this helps.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html

Answer 5

Nope! 2 of my friends thought that too while they were breastfeeding.... one was pregnant 1 month after she had her 1st baby and my other friend found out that she was pregnant 3 months after she had her baby! They didn't get their periods either... their doctors said it's like a 1 in 900 chance, but it DOES happen! lol!

Answer 6

It's not really the "6 month mark". It's whenever your body releases an egg after your nursing lessens. Note: you will release the egg before you actually have a period and can therefore become pregnant before you even begin your period.

It really depends on a few things:
1. how often you nurse
2. when your body decides it is ready to begin menstruation again.

I have known women not to have a period- like myself until the baby is 10 months of age while exclusively nursing. I have known others that are exclusively nursing who started their period after the 4th month. There is no known time frame. You cannot go by someone else's experience here.

Both of our babies started on solids at 6 months of age. With our daughter, I started my period when she was 10 months old. She is 14 months old now and it is becoming regular.

Take care!

Answer 7

OMG yes it can happen You can get pregnant right away your hormaones are still adjusting and you have a higher chance of getting pregnant than before if your are breast feeding then use a condom until you go back on the pill Unless you are looking at starting all over again by getting pregnant believe me if you dont want to be pregnant again use protection

Answer 8

Yes, my sister-in-law did. It is not a good form of birth control. She had two children while breastfeeding...

Answer 9

That is a good old wives tale!!!! This is your most fertile period....Your doctor can prescribe you with a BC pill that does not have estrogen. Don't even take the chance unless you want another baby.....ever see mommas with two babies under the age of two? Can you guess why? They thought the same thing!

Answer 10

actually the only time i ever ovulated without the assistance of medications was when i was nursing... lots of people nurse and get pregnant, i work in child care, and have witnessed it!