In recent years, the benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother have increased. And the fact is that breastfeeding, in addition to providing the best food for the baby in the first months of life, can be the best natural contraceptive for women.
Some women, especially those who have not become pregnant or have not breastfed, do not know that during breastfeeding, due to the hormonal load, women do not get their periods. This is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method LAM.
There is a lot of misinformation about this method. In this post, we explain more about it, clearing some of the most common doubts.
What is the LAM method?
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method is a method discovered in 1988, which consists of the fact that, during lactation, due to the production of a lot of prolactin, the woman does not ovulate, decreasing the chances of the woman getting pregnant again.
The production of prolactin has a lot to do with the baby's suckling, although it is something that is still not completely clear. And some women get their periods earlier than others while they are still breastfeeding.
Is breastfeeding effective as a method of contraception?
To answer this question, the first thing to clarify is that if LAM is used correctly, it can be as effective as another type of hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill.
According to statistics, 2 out of every 100 women who use breastfeeding as a method of contraception become pregnant within 6 months after the baby is born, without using any other type of contraception.
However, breastfeeding prevents pregnancy only if the baby is exclusively breastfed. For that reason, it must be exclusive breastfeeding, it cannot be combined breastfeeding with formula or food.
This method is very safe during the first six months of the baby's life or until the period appears again. After this, breastfeeding is not as effective as a contraceptive method, since, from this moment on, the baby will start with complementary feeding.
How to start LAM?
The LAM Method, as a natural contraceptive, can be started as soon as the baby is born. The process of breastfeeding exclusively can take some time.
If you have any doubts or problems with breastfeeding, it is recommended that you seek the help of specialists who can guide you in this matter. Always keep in mind that the LAM method is only reliable if you are exclusively breastfeeding.
Benefits of LAM for the mother
One of the main benefits of LAM is that it is a natural contraceptive. However, there are many others, among which are the following:
- Once breastfeeding begins, pregnancy is prevented.
- It is a free and safe method of contraception.
- No medical intervention is needed.
- It is not necessary to interrupt sex.
- Bleeding after childbirth is reduced.
- Breastfeeding reduces the chances of breast cancer.
It is important to clarify that LAM is an ideal contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. But, it does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Now, as women, especially in that stage in which we have just become mothers, comfort is the most important thing to take care of ourselves and our babies.
For this reason, menstrual panties and ecological pads offered by The Eco Woman are the best options to feel safe, and comfortable, and also take care of the environment.