Lactational amenorrhea

Lactational amenorrhea refers to the normal cessation of menstrual periods for the first few months a woman is exclusively breast-feeding. During this time, ovulation doesn't occur and so birth control is essentially automatic. The method is only effective in preventing pregnancy under the following conditions:

• The mother is exclusively breast-feeding.
• The baby is less than 6 months old.
• The mother's period hasn't yet returned.

Effectiveness rate. When lactational amenorrhea is used as a means of birth control, the effectiveness rate is 98 percent. In other words, two out of 100 women will get pregnant while using this method during the six months after childbirth. After the first six months, ovulation and fertility may return before the onset of a period.

Side effects and health risks. Many women notice that they need to use extra lubrication during sex to be comfortable. This method doesn't protect against STDs.

How to use the lactational amenorrhea method. If you decide to use the lactational amenorrhea method, you must breast-feed your baby at least eight to 10 times a day, including at least once a night, on both breasts. Don't allow more than six hours to pass between any two feedings.

Cost and availability. Using the lactational amenorrhea method costs nothing, but classes that teach this technique may charge fees, which vary from region to region.