Breastfeeding as Postpartum Contraception
You might have heard of the old wives’ tale stating that breastfeeding can work as contraception after giving birth.
Well, modern science proves that when applied correctly, the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is 98% effective with typical use, up to 99,5% effective with perfect use, and can indeed be used as a method for preventing another pregnancy in the first 6 months after birth.
After giving birth, mothers will return to having their monthly cycles at different stages. For some women their period returns as early as a few weeks after giving birth (more common in women choosing not to breastfeed, or only supplementing feeds with formula). For other women it takes years.
It is the time during which breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and menstruation that is called lactational amenorrhea.
LAM can be used by women who states a ‘NO’ to all of the following criteria:
Have you had a menstrual bleed? (for the purposes of LAM this is defined as any bleeding, on any two consecutive days, that occurs 2 months after the birth)
Are you giving regular supplementary foods or foods or fluids to your baby in addition to breastfeeding?
Is your infant older than 6 months of age?
It is the frequency and total amount of time spent breastfeeding per 24 hours that are the strongest factors leading to the return of fertility. For LAM to be effective, a mother needs to breastfeed frequently both day and night, and not skip feeds. Women are more likely to experience the return of fertility if baby’s nursing frequency or duration is reduced, especially if the change is happening suddenly.
If you want to know more about LAM as a safe method for contraception, it is always advices to seek guidance from a certified Fertility Awareness practitioner. If you’re interested in knowing more, send me a DM or an email to iselinamandastoylen@gmail.com.
Artwork by Aphra Natley // @asanctuaire