Nature’s Wisdom
Breastfeeding can extend the natural infertility a mother experiences after childbirth, thereby delaying fertility return and pregnancy. Unfortunately breastfeeding alone cannot be relied upon to ensure continuing infertility as other factors can have an effect. Through its affiliated centres, however, ACNFP provides instruction in two methods. These methods do not have any ill-effect on the baby or the milk supply and support a couple’s decision to breastfeed. The NFP experience with breastfeeding is best described as:
Simple….Effective…. Drug-Free….for baby and mother
(1) Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)
International experts in breastfeeding and fertility management recommend the Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) as a natural family planning method. The advantages of this Method are
- Effectiveness of more than 98% *
- Easy to use
- Allows spontaneity in lovemaking
* Bellagio Consensus Statement at August 1988 Conference supported by the World Health Organisation
To be confident with this Method, a couple needs:
- ACNFP accredited instruction
- Antenatal preparation (preferably)
- Qualification on primary LAM criteria
- Individual assessment on secondary LAM factors
- On-going support postpartum
(2) Breastfeeding Charting Method
It is possible to breastfeed and to monitor fertility naturally. This Method is based on observation of:
- Baby’s feeding patterns
- Cervical mucus
- Cervical changes
- Basal body temperature
To be confident with this Method, a couple needs:
- ACNFP accredited instruction
- On-going support postpartum
On-going support Postpartum
In addition to the follow-up appointments and telephonic support that ACNFP affiliated centres offer, the couple is encourage to develop a social network that supports them in their breastfeeding choice. The Australian Breastfeeding Association and La Leche League are supportive organisations for breastfeeding families.
