Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive method that helps prevent a woman from becoming pregnant again while her baby is still nursing and so soon after the previous pregnancy. However, for breastfeeding to be more reliable as a contraceptive method, it must be:
- Exclusively maternal.
- On demand and frequent.
- Direct breastfeeding.
On the other hand, breastfeeding should only be used as a contraceptive method for a maximum of 6 months and only if menstruation has not returned during this time. Nevertheless, due to its lack of reliability—since the return of ovulation varies greatly from woman to woman—it is recommended to use an additional contraceptive method during breastfeeding.
Read the full article on: What contraceptive methods can be used during breastfeeding? ( 59).
By Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).
Last Update: 09/23/2025
