The first months are difficult, so it’s no surprise that young mothers aren’t thinking about another pregnancy. They would like to prevent pregnancy, but because they are breastfeeding, they often don’t know whether anything other than condoms is safe. In this article, we outline the contraceptive methods that help breastfeeding women prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Why should you wait before getting pregnant again?
The World Health Organization recommends a 24-month interval between births as optimal for the health of the mother and the next child; 18 months is considered the absolute minimum. Why is it so important?
Everybody recovers at its own pace. There’s no denying that pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period place a heavy burden on a woman’s body. Time is needed for hormones to rebalance and for the body to regain strength. A mother’s emotional wellbeing is just as important.
Polish gynaecologist in London warns that becoming pregnant again too soon after giving birth can lead to:
- miscarriage,
- placental abruption,
- premature birth,
- low birth weight,
- anaemia,
- postpartum depression.
Does breastfeeding protect against pregnancy? What is lactational amenorrhoea?
Many women heard that breastfeeding “acts like contraception”. And indeed – in the first months after birth, lactation can naturally suppress ovulation. However, its effectiveness depends on very specific conditions. This is known as the LAM method – Lactational Amenorrhea Method.
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To provide real contraceptive protection, three key criteria must be met:
- Baby is under 6 months old.
- Breastfeeding is exclusive and on demand – including at night (no bottles, no formula supplementation, no dummies, etc.)
- Mother has not yet had her first postpartum period.
If all these conditions are met, LAM is about 98% effective – similar to some hormonal methods. But if the baby starts sleeping through the night or the mother returns to work and feeds less frequently, the protection drops significantly.
Therefore, experts consider LAM a temporary method of contraception, suitable only in the first months – provided the woman understands its limitations and has regular consultations with her doctor.
Good contraception during breastfeeding
When choosing contraception while breastfeeding, it's important to remember that a new mum’s needs are different than before pregnancy. Contraception should be effective but above all safe for the baby, neutral for lactation, and easy to use.
A good contraceptive method for breastfeeding mothers should:
Not reduce milk supply
Oestrogen (found in traditional combination contraceptive pills) can decrease milk production. This is why only oestrogen-free (progestogen-only) methods are recommended during breastfeeding.
Be safe for the baby
Some hormonal ingredients pass into breast milk, so it’s important to choose products that are thoroughly tested and approved for use during lactation.
Fit the mother’s lifestyle
Not every woman has the time or energy after childbirth to take a pill at the same hour every day. Long-acting methods (IUD, implant) may be better for some, while others may prefer condoms that can be used whenever needed.
Be easily reversible
Many women want to have another baby in the near future. A good method should allow fertility to return quickly once it is discontinued.
Be recommended by professionals
Ideally, the method should be approved by health organizations (e.g., WHO) as safe for breastfeeding mothers. It’s best to discuss it with your gynaecologist during the postpartum check (around 6 weeks after birth).
Contraceptive methods suitable during breastfeeding
The good news is that breastfeeding women have many safe and effective contraception options – both hormonal and non-hormonal.
Minipill (progestogen-only pill)
- Contains only progestogen, no oestrogen.
- Does not affect milk supply.
- Recommended from 6 weeks postpartum.
- Effective when taken every day at the same time.
- Requires strict regularity – being late by a few hours may reduce effectiveness.
Contraceptive injections (medroxyprogesterone)
- One dose protects for up to 12 weeks.
- Oestrogen-free – safe for breastfeeding.
- High effectiveness and convenience.
- May delay the return of fertility for months (sometimes up to a year).
Contraceptive implant
- A small flexible rod placed under the skin of the arm.
- Works for up to 3 years.
- Contains progestogen – safe for lactation.
- Very high effectiveness without the need for daily reminders.
Intrauterine device (IUD / coil)
- Copper (non-hormonal) – safe for breastfeeding; lasts up to 10 years.
- Hormonal (progestogen) – also safe during lactation; lasts 3–5 years.
- Inserted by a gynaecologist, often after the postpartum period.
- Does not affect milk supply and provides long-term protection.
Condoms
- Safe and available immediately after birth.
- No impact on lactation or the mother’s body.
- Suitable as a temporary or additional method.
- Use those with extra lubrication – postpartum vaginal dryness and sensitivity is common.
Cervical caps, diaphragms, spermicides
Allowed, but less effective than other methods.
- Not all vaginal products are recommended during breastfeeding – a doctor’s advice is helpful.
Natural methods (cycle tracking, temperature monitoring)
- Possible, but less reliable during breastfeeding, especially before periods return.
- Low effectiveness with irregular cycles and unpredictable feeding patterns.
Morning-after pill and breastfeeding
- If you are breastfeeding and need emergency contraception, choose a levonorgestrel tablet (e.g., Escapelle) – it is safe to use while breastfeeding.
- Tablets containing ulipristal (e.g., EllaOne) are not recommended – they require stopping breastfeeding for one week.
It is always worth consulting a doctor or pharmacist – even in urgent situations – to choose the safest option. In the United Kingdom, the guidelines regarding emergency contraception for breastfeeding women are slightly more lenient than in some EU countries. Below are up-to-date recommendations based on UK sources, including the NHS and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH):
Levonorgestrel (e.g., Levonelle, Escapelle)
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Passes into milk in very small amounts; no evidence to be harmful to the baby.
- No need to pause breastfeeding.
- Recommended as the first choice for breastfeeding women as an emergency contraception.
Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne)
In the UK it can be used when breastfeeding, BUT:
- NHS and FSRH recommend pausing breastfeeding for 7 days after taking it.
- Milk must be pumped and discarded during this time to maintain supply.
- Not recommended if the mother does not want or cannot stop breastfeeding temporarily.
Polish gynaecologist in the UK can help you choose the right method
Remember that sexual activity should ideally wait until the end of the postpartum period – around 6 weeks. After that, it is important to book a check-up at a gynaecology clinic.
Polish gynaecologist in London will discuss all contraceptive options – natural and hormonal – explain contraindications, possible side effects, and effectiveness. Together, you can choose a method that is safe for lactation and the baby, while allowing the mother to enjoy sex without unnecessary stress.
But always keep in mind: no method provides 100% protection.
