LAM effective but inconvenient for women in the U.S
Contraceptive Technology Update 14(3): 48-50
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0274-726X PMID: 12318086 Document Number: 330098
Considerable research shows that postpartum amenorrhea and exclusive breast feeding, the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), protects women from pregnancy for at least 6 months. In 1988, international family planning specialists made a consensus statement endorsing LAM as a legitimate family planning method. Nipple stimulation prevents the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone, resulting in ovulation suppression, thereby according LAM its contraceptive benefits. If women use LAM correctly, it is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. US women are likely to not depend on LAM, however, because incorrect use results in a high failure rate. Further, women tend not to breast feed intensively or for a long period, both required for LAM to be effective. US women generally supplement their infants feeding rather early because they face various pressures, e.g., work. These pressures tend to make LAM user compliance difficult. Women in developing countries have used LAM for a long time to space their births. Physicians in developed countries, including the US, tend to dismiss LAM. A study in Australia shows that LAM's contraceptive effectiveness did not differ significantly between mothers who did not supplement and those who did supplement. A multicountry study indicates that LAM protected 97% of women from pregnancy regardless of supplementation status or intensity of breast feeds. Some specialists are beginning to think that the LAM guidelines should be changed: Women who breast feed but have not yet experienced menses are protected from pregnancy. For women who do not want any more children at all should begin another method at 6 weeks postpartum because the 2% failure rate is too high.