What Is Lactational Amenorrhea? Is it Effective to Control Pregnancy?

Lactational Amenorrhea is a temporary infertility phase of the postnatal period when the woman’s menstrual cycle stops. The increasing level of prolactin hormone as the mother breastfeeds the baby leads to this condition.

Regular breastfeeding can naturally stop ovulation in mother post-childbirth. If there is no ovulation, pregnancy won’t be possible, which makes breastfeeding be considered as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). ‘Lactation’ meaning secretion of milk and ‘Amenorrhea’ meaning stopping of the periods or menstruation.

The Mechanism Behind Lactational Amenorrhea

Ever wondered why women do not have menstrual periods during breastfeeding at times? It is because an infant’s suckling in his/her mother’s nipples can disturb her ovulation cycle.

The hypothalamus region in brain plays a crucial role in releasing pituitary hormones, which is highly essential to regulate ovulation. When the mother breastfeeds, her baby’s suckling can induce nerve impulses to this region, which leads to altering the production of the said hormones.

With the disturbances in pituitary hormone production, the ovaries fail to regulate uterus for pregnancy without any production of fertilized eggs. So, during such a breastfeeding phase, women have no menstrual cycle, which brings the term “lactational amenorrhea.”

How Far is Lactational Amenorrhea Effective in Childbirth Control?

Out of 100 mothers under the LAM procedure, only 1-2 of them have chances of becoming pregnant. So, one can say, there is no 100% assurance of preventing pregnancy.

Following an exclusive cycle of LAM may prevent pregnancy parable from hormonal contraceptives, such as medicinal pills. It can be used just after the child is born.

Chances of prevention are low if the mother feeds the baby with other infant diet formulas. So, making the child to rely entirely on breastmilk is recommended for a successful childbirth control with lactational amenorrhea.

It is also noteworthy that LAM for pregnancy prevention is effective only up to first 6 months of the infant’s birth and as long as the menstrual cycle is paused. After this phase, breastfeeding can no longer be considered as an effective way to control childbirth.

If you still do not wish to get pregnant even after the child began to eat solid foods and sleep for long hours at night, finding an alternative birth control means would be a wise decision. Because the LAM cycle at this phase wouldn’t reach the required level

How to Control Pregnancy with LAC?

One can start following the Lactational Amenorrhea Method as soon as she gives birth. It may take some time to initiate breastfeeding. The mother should keep nursing and breastfeeding the baby whenever he/she demands, be it day or night.

The baby should not be introduced to bottle feeding and other formulas of baby’s diet as it can disturb the lactational cycle. However, it is always advisable to take help from a concerned health professional in the beginning if you are giving birth for the first time. Most health centers and hospitals provide such help.

If you consider undergoing LAM post-childbirth, you should seek advice from your health specialist to acknowledge if it is suitable for your health and lifestyle. However, once the frequency of your breastfeeding diminishes, you should find an alternative means.

Advantages of opting LAM as Childbirth Control

Below are some of the advantages of LAM,

• It is natural
• It is economical
• It can be used just after the childbirth
• It benefits the child’s health

Drawbacks of LAM

• It is effective up till the first 6 months after the child’s birth
• The mother shouldn’t fail to breastfeed the baby whenever he/she demands, which can be troublesome for working mothers
• It is not advisable for mothers and child with certain medications and health complications
• Chances of spreading STDs, including HIVs to the child, is high through breastfeeding
• 2-3 out of 100 women under LAM may get pregnant during the period

The Gist of It

What you should always remember is that there is no need to panic when your menstrual cycle stops after the childbirth. And at the same time, it would also not be a good idea to take pregnancy control pills and medicines during the breastfeeding period.

Despite all the effectiveness and drawbacks of the lactational amenorrhea method, it is always advisable to seek medical advice from the concerned doctor before opting for it.