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Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Many mothers are told that breastfeeding stops pregnancy, or that you can't get pregnant before your first period. Neither is reliably true. Breastfeeding can protect you — but only while a few strict rules are all met. Answer a few questions and see where you stand right now, and when that changes.

The one thing to know: you release an egg before your first period comes back, so you can get pregnant without ever having had a period since the birth. The NHS says pregnancy is possible from 3 weeks after birth, even if you're breastfeeding.

Step 1

When was your baby born?

Step 2

Has your period come back since the birth?

Any bleeding that starts 8 weeks or more after the birth counts as a period here, even if it's light.

Step 3

How is your baby fed?

Step 4

The longest gaps between feeds

During the day, the longest gap is usually…

At night, the longest stretch is usually…

Step 5

How do you feel about another pregnancy?

This only changes what the result suggests next. Nothing is saved.

Is there any chance you could be pregnant now?

The breastfeeding rules, checked

Breastfeeding only works as birth control (called the lactational amenorrhoea method, or LAM) while every one of these is true.

    This checker gives general information, not medical advice. It is based on published guidance about breastfeeding and fertility, but everybody is different. For advice on birth control that suits you and your baby, talk to your doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist — many methods are safe while breastfeeding.

    Myths and facts

    What people sayWhat guidance says
    "You can't get pregnant until your period comes back."You release an egg about two weeks before a period, so the first egg comes before the first period. Pregnancy is possible from 3 weeks after birth.
    "Breastfeeding is natural birth control."Only when all the LAM rules are met: baby under 6 months, no period, only breastfeeding, and short gaps day and night. Then about 2 in 100 get pregnant in 6 months.
    "A bit of formula or a long night's sleep doesn't matter."It can. Longer gaps, formula, solids or mostly pumping can let fertility return. That's when protection stops.
    "If I'm not breastfeeding, I have a few months."Not necessarily. Without breastfeeding, fertility can return within weeks of the birth.

    The World Health Organization suggests waiting at least 24 months after a birth before the next pregnancy, to give your body and your baby the best start.

    Based on: NHS — Sex and contraception after birth · Planned Parenthood — Breastfeeding as birth control · Cleveland Clinic — You can get pregnant while breastfeeding · WHO interpregnancy interval guidance (via Minnesota Dept. of Health)

    Common questions

    Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding before my first period?

    Yes. You release an egg before your period comes back, so your first sign of returning fertility can be a pregnancy. The NHS says you can get pregnant from 3 weeks after the birth, including if you're breastfeeding and your periods haven't started again.

    How effective is breastfeeding as birth control?

    When every rule is met — baby under 6 months, no period, only breastfeeding, feeds at least every 4 hours in the day and every 6 hours at night — about 2 in 100 people get pregnant in those 6 months. Once any rule is broken, it's no longer reliable.

    Does pumping count as breastfeeding for this?

    Not reliably. The method depends on the baby feeding directly at the breast, often, day and night. If you mostly pump, or give formula, you shouldn't rely on it.

    Is birth control safe while breastfeeding?

    Many methods are safe while breastfeeding and won't harm your baby. Some are better suited than others, so ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist which fits you. It's a good question for your 6-week check.

    How long should I wait before getting pregnant again?

    The World Health Organization suggests at least 24 months after a birth. Research links gaps shorter than about 18 months with more risks for mother and baby. Your doctor can advise on your own situation.