Choosing the right contraceptive method is a real journey. Evolving according to life stage, sexuality, metabolism, health, needs, desires and feelings, this almost systematically feminine choice is rarely simple or free of constraints. That's why more and more women are turning to alternative contraception and natural methods. These include the LAM method and the question: can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?
CONTENTS :
- Natural contraception and hormonal contraceptives: one definition and several differences
- MAMA: the Breastfeeding and Amenorrhea Method
- The limits of the LAM method for preventing a new pregnancy
Natural contraception and hormonal contraceptives: one definition and several differences
The gynecologist talks about contraceptive products, methods or devices. You're more likely to talk about pills, IUDs, withdrawals or implants. Whether hormonal or natural, contraceptives are designed to prevent sexual intercourse leading to the conception of a child. But there are contraceptives and contraceptives, or rather hormonal contraception and natural contraception.
Hormonal contraceptives- the pill, hormonal IUD (intrauterine device), patch, implant, vaginal ring or injectable contraceptive - use hormonal input to block ovulation, densify cervical mucus and/or thin the endometrium, thereby preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg. Progestin-only or estrogen-only, these contraceptive methods are highly effective (over 90% in practice), but are often accompanied byundesirable side effects.
Natural contraception, such as the Billings, Ogino-Knaus, withdrawal, abstinence, temperature curves or symptothermy methods, use neither synthetic hormones nor devices, and are based on observation of the female cycle and knowledge of the fertile period to avoid pregnancy. More subjective, natural contraceptives are also less effective (around 75% in practice), but without side effects.
MAMA: the Breastfeeding and Amenorrhea Method
LAM is unique. A doubly natural method of short-term contraception, it is highly effective if properly implemented. With no hormones or devices, it is naturally triggered by the female body at the moment of breastfeeding. In fact, MAMA stands for Méthode de l'Allaitement Maternelle et de l'Aménorrhée.
The principle is as follows: after the birth of her child, a mother who exclusively breastfeeds her baby is protected from a new pregnancy by lactation hormones. In fact, prolactin prevents ovulation. It is even referred to as "lactational infertility" or "lactational amenorrhea".
However, to work properly, "contraceptive breastfeeding" must scrupulously respect certain cumulative and exhaustive criteria:
- be the mother of an infant under 6 months old,
- not to have experienced a return of menstruation since childbirth,
- breastfeed exclusively, at least every four hours during the day and every six hours at night.
The limits of the LAM method for preventing a new pregnancy
To be fully effective as a contraceptive, the breastfeeding and amenorrhea method must therefore be carefully monitored. Furthermore, while the risk of conceiving a child while breastfeeding is less than 2%, the LAM method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Moreover, since the prolactin level released can vary, after 6 months it no longer prevents ovulation.
Before your baby reaches 6 months of age, it's advisable to combine the LAM method with a second contraceptive compatible with breastfeeding, if you choose to continue breastfeeding.
What is exclusive breastfeeding?
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by the WHO(World Health Organization) for babies up to six months of age. This means that, from birth, babies are exclusively breastfed by their mothers, without bottles or breast pumps.
According to the French National Authority for Health, forbreastfeeding to play its full role as a natural contraceptive, it is essential thatexclusive breastfeeding be practised day and night, at a rate of around 6 to 10 feeds per 24 hours. In addition, the interval between feeds should be less than 6 hours at night and 4 hours during the day.
Going back to work or starting mixed breastfeeding? Did you know that Élhée bottles can be fitted with adaptor rings compatible with Avent and Medela breast pumps? A great way to fall in love with BibRond while continuing to breastfeed or semi-breastfeed your baby!
Periods, the return from childbirth and lochia: how to prepare for the return of the menstrual cycle?
In the vast majority of cases, breastfeeding blocks the return of childbirth and therefore the return of fertility. However, as the female body is a complex ecosystem, you may still experience bleeding.
The hours following childbirth are known as lochia. Very red and abundant at first, they are completely normal and occur as soon as the uterus regains its size, evacuating endometrial debris and blood clots. Lochia generally lasts a few days before subsiding on its own.
Following lochia, between the 10th and 15th day after the birth of your child, further bleeding may occur for a few more hours or days. Once again, this very abundant bleeding signals that the uterus is continuing to heal.
In general, the return of menstruation occurs between 4 and 8 weeks after birth. However, this period can be much longer, especially if you decide to breastfeed your baby.
As each woman and each birth is unique, periods and symptoms can vary. For example, after a Caesarean section, bleeding - particularly lochia and the return of childbirth - is often less abundant.
After 6 months, contraceptives compatible with breastfeeding
Once you've reached the limits of natural contraception through breastfeeding, it's up to you to choose your contraceptive replacement. Only estrogen-progestin contraceptives are not recommended for the 6 months following the birth of your baby. Progestins (pill, subcutaneous implant or intramuscular injection) can be used from day 21, and IUDs (hormonal or copper) from 4 weeks.
The choice of a contraceptive method is by no means definitive, but should always take into account 3 essential criteria: whether or not the baby is breast-feeding; the risk of thrombosis, which is greater during pregnancy and in the first weeks post-partum; and any pathologies associated with pregnancy.
Barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical capes and spermicides can also be used, although they are often seen as more restrictive. At the same time, some couples opt for permanent contraception. Tubal ligation, electrocoagulation, insertion of rings or clips and vasectomy require a 4-month reflection period, but can be performed for the mother within 7 days of childbirth.
What about male contraception?
Although fewer in number, natural contraception methods for men do exist. After childbirth, it's not always easy for couples to resume sexual relations, so young mothers would certainly appreciate it if their partner would sometimes take over the contraception side of things.
The testicle bath, or Coso method, involves reversible immobilization of spermatozoa using ultrasound. While the principle is the same as for thermal briefs, it's the gentle, temporary rise in testicular temperature that renders the sperm temporarily inoperable.
So it's perfectly possible to consider breastfeeding as an effective short-term contraceptive method, provided you meet a few strict conditions and bear in mind that the female body still contains many mysteries, including that of not always respecting physiological logic.
