Breastfeeding Amenorrhoea Method

How does it work

For the first six months following child birth and if you are breastfeeding regularly, hormonal changes prevent ovulation. This means that eggs (ova) are not released by the ovaries. This prevents pregnancy.

This contraceptive method will only be effective within the first six months after birth, when a menstrual period has not occurred and when you are breastfeeding regularly. Regular breastfeeding generally means no more than 4 hours between breastfeeds during the day and no more than 6 hours between breastfeeds during the night.

You will still need to consider the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every time you have sex.

What’s it like to use?

This method requires ongoing monitoring of personal health.

What if I forget about it?

If you have had unprotected penis in vagina (PIV) sex and you think you may be ovulating, you may need to consider emergency contraception.

If, after 6 months since giving birth, your baby stops breastfeeding regularly, or your menstrual period returns, another contraceptive option will need to be considered.

Who can use it?

People who have given birth within the past six months and who are breastfeeding regularly, unless menstrual periods return.

Side effects

The side effect of the breast feeding method is that you need to be highly aware of daily changes to your body. Communicate regularly and openly with your sexual partners about your reproductive and sexual health.

How and where to get it

Discuss contraceptives during a prenatal assessment to discuss how the breastfeeding method could work for you. Ask a reproductive and sexual health clinician or your local doctor for advice.

What if you change your mind

You can stop using this method any time. Visit a reproductive and sexual health clinic or your local doctor to talk about your other contraceptive options.