Did you know that exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months can be a natural contraceptive method? This process is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) which is a contraceptive method where the mother is informed and supported in using breastfeeding as a contraceptive method. The sucking stimulus during breastfeeding activates the secretion of hormones that suppress ovulation or being fertile after giving birth. Studies also show that LAM is 98% effective in preventing pregnancies for up to 6 months as long as:
● Exclusive breastfeeding is performed day and night
● Infant is less than 6 months
● The mother did not experience any menstrual bleeding during the 0 - 6 months period
For mothers who still want to consider other contraceptive methods during lactation, the choices are non-hormonal contraceptives such as physical barriers like condom or Intrauterine Devices (IUD) and progestin-only containing pills. Combined hormonal pills with estrogen may decrease breast milk production - thus, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
What are the other family planning methods?
1. Condom. A condom is thin latex material worn by men which serves as a physical barrier that prevents the sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse. It may also help prevent the transmission of Sexually transmitted diseases.
2. Calendar Method. A natural family planning method for women who have regular cycles. The woman computes which days of the calendar are her fertile days and abstains from intercourse during this period.
3. Birth Control Pills. These are pills containing hormones that either prevent ovulation or the release of an egg. These must be taken regularly and are suitable for women who can religiously drink their pills at a consistent schedule.
4. Injectables. These are hormone-containing injections given at the health center or clinic that suppresses ovulation for up to 6 months. This is suitable for women who want to have a longer contraception method with less daily commitment to drink pills.
5. Implants. Implants are also hormone containing devices implanted at the arm which can suppress ovulation for up to 3 years. This is suitable for women who want a longer contraception method.
6. Intrauterine Device (IUD). An IUD is a non-hormonal contraceptive method which is a device inserted into the uterus and blocks the pathway of sperm to reach the egg. It is a long-term contraceptive method which can last up to 10 years.
7. Bilateral Tubal Ligation. Bilateral tubal ligation is a permanent contraceptive method because the fallopian tube is cut - thus the passageway for the egg and sperm to meet is obliterated and pregnancy is prevented.
8. No-Scalpel Vasectomy. Vasectomy is a permanent contraceptive method for males that ligates or cuts the passageway of sperm - thus no sperm is released during intercourse.
Why is family planning and birth spacing important?
The ideal birth spacing is 3 - 5 years to give time for the mother to regain strength and replenish the nutrient stores lost from her first pregnancy. The spacing also gives her enough time to exclusively breastfeed her baby for up to 2 years old and to focus on the optimal growth of her first child.
If you have questions on how to choose the best family planning method for you, visit your nearest health center for free family planning counselling services.
/AET
References:
• Van der Wijden, C., & Manion, C. (2015). Lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
• Department of Health (2012). Gabay sa Nanay sa Tamang Pagpapasuso.
• Department of Health, National Nutrition Council & UNICEF (2012). Gabay sa Pagpapasuso at Pagpapakain ng Sanggol at Bata (Infant and Young Child Feeding).
