Bangkok: During the postpartum period, many mothers experience a natural form of contraception known as lactational amenorrhea (LAM), which results in temporary infertility due to breastfeeding. This condition occurs as breastfeeding mothers often miss their menstrual periods, inhibiting ovulation temporarily.
According to Thai News Agency, the mechanism of LAM is stimulated through breastfeeding. When an infant suckles, it activates sensory receptors in the mother's nipples, prompting the brain to release prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones are crucial for milk production and secretion. Conversely, this process suppresses the secretion of several sex hormones, including GnRH, LH, and FSH, which regulate ovulation, leading to impaired ovarian function and a temporary absence of ovulation.
LAM operates effectively as a natural contraceptive during the first six months postpartum, with its effectiveness influenced by maternal energy levels. Once breastfeeding ceases and the baby is weaned, menstruation and ovulation typically return to normal.
Recent research indicates that factors affecting temporary cessation of ovulation in breastfeeding women are linked to maternal energy availability. This refers to the surplus energy used to produce milk, which conserves energy for breastfeeding duties, resulting in temporary cessation of menstruation and ovulation.
Further studies have shown that maternal energy availability can affect how quickly a woman returns to normal menstruation and ovulation, even while breastfeeding. Factors like the frequency and duration of breastfeeding play a significant role in extending the effectiveness of LAM. Surveys conducted in the US and Scotland found that frequent breastfeeding, particularly six times a day with intervals over 60 minutes, prolongs LAM's effectiveness.
Exclusive breastfeeding can extend the duration of LAM contraception, with women who exclusively breastfeed for two months typically experiencing a return to normal menstruation in 5.3 months, while those breastfeeding for six months may return to normal in 9.6 months.
Age also impacts LAM's effectiveness, with older women tending to experience longer periods of LAM contraception. Five factors contribute to LAM's 98% effectiveness rate in the first six months postpartum: direct breastfeeding, regular feeding intervals, the infant's age, the absence of menstruation within 56 days postpartum, and avoiding covering the baby's face while breastfeeding.
This natural contraceptive method offers a practical solution for postpartum mothers, highlighting the importance of understanding the dynamics of breastfeeding and its effects on fertility.