The lactational amenorrhea method is one of the natural ways to prevent pregnancy. Besides being safe and effective, this method is also more practical and very easy to do, especially for mother who just gave birth.
After giving birth or going through the puerperium, the menstrual cycle will be delayed or temporarily stopped because of the inhibition of releasing eggs (ovulation).
This naturally occurs due to the release of the hormone prolactin, which is a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk in the mother's body. When the amount of this hormone increases, the release of eggs will be inhibited.
Therefore, the more often you breastfeed your little one, the less likely you are to get pregnant immediately after giving birth.
Requirements for the Success of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method
The lactational amenorrhea method is believed to be able to prevent pregnancy naturally. However, this method will only be effective if you meet certain conditions. The following are some conditions that can make breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy:
- Have not menstruated again after giving birth or after the puerperium. If you have returned to menstruation, then it is a sign that your body has started to ovulate and you have a chance to get pregnant again, especially if you are not using other contraceptives.
- Able to provide exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Mothers must breastfeed their little ones at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night. Breastfeeding must also come directly from the mother's breast, not by using a pump and breast milk bottle.
- Avoid giving food, formula milk, or other drinks to your little one.
In addition to menstruation, there are several other conditions that cause the lactational amenorrhea method to be no longer effective in preventing pregnancy, namely the frequency or duration of breastfeeding that begins to decrease because your little one starts consuming other drinks and solid food after he is 6 months old or older.
If your condition is no longer possible to use the lactational amenorrhea method, then you also need to use another contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Lactation Amonorrhoea Method
The lactational amenorrhea method is considered to have advantages when compared to other contraceptive methods. The advantages of this method include:
- Has no side effects.
- Convenient and no need to spend.
- Does not affect the body's natural hormonal balance.
- Does not require a prescription or supervision from a doctor.
- Can reduce bleeding after childbirth.
However, the lactational amenorrhea method also has some drawbacks, including:
- Does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases. To prevent the transmission of this disease, it is necessary to do prevention by practicing safe sex and using condoms.
- Only reliable for the first six months after delivery.
- Can cause a decrease in the natural lubricant of the vagina, so the risk of causing vaginal dryness.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is not always possible for every mother. For example, in mothers who have a small amount of breast milk, have hormonal disorders, or infectious diseases, such as HIV.
Basically, the results of applying the lactational amenorrhea method to prevent pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. Even though you have done the lactational amenorrhea method, you still have a chance to get pregnant after giving birth.
Therefore, mothers still need to use other contraceptives to prevent postpartum pregnancy.
To determine the choice of contraception that is suitable for use after giving birth or while breastfeeding, you can consult further with your obstetrician.
