- Breastfeeding with implants
- Drinking alcohol
- Having COVID-19 symptoms or vaccine
- Taking illegal drugs
- Taking medication
- Using birth control
Using birth control
There are 4 methods of birth control you can use while you're breastfeeding:
- male condoms and female condoms – as soon you feel ready to have sex
- any progestogen-only method, including the progestogen-only pill, implant and injection – these can be started immediately after birth
- intrauterine methods – your midwife or doctor can advise you about the best times to have these put in
- lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM)
For more information on contraception while breastfeeding, talk to your midwife, health visitor or family planning nurse.
National Breastfeeding Helpline
For confidential breastfeeding information and support, call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.
Lines are open 9:30am to 9:30pm every day.
Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life
The Breastfeeding Friend has lots of useful information and expert advice to share with you – and because it's a digital tool, you can access it 24/7.