Lactational amenorrhea
This method of contraception can be used by women during the first six months after childbirth. The method is for the benefit of both the mother and babys health. The fact is that while a woman is breastfeeding, she does not have periods and is not able to get pregnant. This ,method of contraception is effective only provided there is a complete breastfeeding and a woman does not menstruate. As soon as a woman begins giving to her baby additional feeding the methods effectiveness diminishes.
The lactational amenorrhea method of contraception can be used by women who
Only breastfeed and do not give to their child any additional feeding
Do not have periods
Who gave birth to their baby less than 6 months ago
The methods advantages
The methods contraceptive effectiveness is circa 98 per cent (there is a 2-3 per cent probability of pregnancy during the first six months after childbirth
The method is easy to use
A couple does not have to spent money on this method of contraception
The lactation amenorrhea method does not affect intercourse
The method does not cause any side effects
This method of contraception is useful for the baby, because breast milk is the best source of baby nutrition.
The methods disadvantages
This method of contraception requires observance of rules for breastfeeding
Complete breastfeeding is impossible for some women due to social circumstances
The method is effective only during 6 months
There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases
Some problems might occur while using the Lactational amenorrhea method of contraception. These problems can dramatically diminish the methods contraceptive effectiveness.
These problems are as follows
Resumption of menstruation. Periods mean resumption of ovulation and fertility
A woman began giving to her baby additional feeding that replaces breast milk. In this case ovulation is very likely to occur
A baby is six months old or even older
A baby is not breastfed six times a day or sleeps the whole night
All the mentioned above circumstances increase chance of getting pregnant, therefore they require using of another method of contraception.
The Lactational amenorrhea method is requires exclusive breastfeeding on demand.
What is exclusive breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding on demand (at least every four hours during a day)
Breastfeeding at night
Breast milk is not replaced by any other food or liquid