Integrating the Lactational Amenorrhea Method into a family planning program in Ecuador
Wade, K.B.; Sevilla, F.; Labbok, M.H.
Studies in Family Planning 25(3): 162-175
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-3665 PMID: 7940621 DOI: 10.2307/2137942Document Number: 337769
The paper reports the results of a 12-month implementation study documenting the process of integrating the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) into a multiple-method family planning service-delivery organization, The Centro Medico de Orientacion y Planificacion Familiar (CEMOPLAF), in Ecuador. LAM was introduced as a family planning option in four CEMOPLAF clinics. LAM was accepted by 133 breast feeding women during the programme's first five months, representing about one-third of post-partum clients. Seventy-three percent of LAM acceptors were new to any family planning method. Follow-up interviews with a systematic sample of 67 LAM users revealed that the method was generally used correctly. Three pregnancies were reported, none by women who were following LAM as recommended. Service providers' knowledge of LAM resulted in earlier IUD insertions among breast feeding women. Relationships with other maternal and child health organizations and programmes were also established.