Understanding LAM as a Birth Control Method

Many expectant parents have come across the notion that breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy. I certainly believed it, thinking I would get a break from menstruating. However, my experience was different. While there is some truth to the idea that breastfeeding can act as a form of birth control, it’s not entirely reliable. Here’s what you need to know.

Using Breastfeeding as Birth Control

After giving birth, it may take weeks or months for your body to regain its fertility. Breastfeeding can help postpone the return of your period and fertility through a natural method known as the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM). To effectively use LAM, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Your baby is exclusively breastfed, meaning no bottles or pacifiers are used, so all sucking needs are fulfilled at the breast.
You have not yet had a return of your menstrual periods. Spotting may indicate ovulation, suggesting that your fertility could be returning.
Your baby is under six months old; the older they get, the more likely you may ovulate, increasing the chances of pregnancy.

It’s crucial to note that LAM is not a guaranteed form of birth control. If you wish to avoid another pregnancy while nursing, using an additional method of contraception is advisable. Experts often recommend waiting a full year, or ideally 18 months, before trying to conceive again.

How Breastfeeding Affects Fertility

Your body performs remarkable feats post-birth. When you nurse, it releases oxytocin, known as the “feel-good” hormone, which helps with uterine contraction and milk let-down. Oxytocin can be triggered by various stimuli, including touching or visualizing your baby.

Additionally, prolactin, another hormone released while breastfeeding, varies based on nursing frequency. The more often you nurse, the more prolactin is produced, which also helps regulate your milk supply. The act of suckling sends signals to your brain to release more oxytocin and prolactin, both of which work together to suppress ovulation, preventing pregnancy.

Key Points on Breastfeeding and Fertility

As stated by AskDrSears.com, LAM can be over 98% effective in preventing pregnancy as long as the guidelines are strictly followed, although those guidelines can be easily overlooked. Keep in mind that ovulation can occur before your first postpartum period, typically about two weeks before menstruation returns.

It’s still feasible to breastfeed while attempting to conceive again, and you may also continue nursing during fertility treatments, depending on your specific plan and your child’s age.

In conclusion, while breastfeeding can help reduce the chances of getting pregnant, it is not foolproof. If you want to avoid another pregnancy, discuss other effective birth control options with your healthcare provider. For further reading on this topic, check out this related article.

Summary

Breastfeeding can act as a temporary birth control method known as LAM, but it is not 100% effective. To successfully use LAM, mothers must meet specific criteria, including exclusive breastfeeding and having a baby under six months. Hormones like oxytocin and prolactin play significant roles in suppressing ovulation during this time. Nevertheless, it is essential for mothers to consider additional contraceptive measures if they wish to prevent another pregnancy.

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