Understanding of Lactational Amenorrhea As a Contraceptive Method Among U.S. Pregnant Women.
Breastfeed Med
; 18(8): 621-625, 2023 08.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37578450
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) of postpartum contraception is more effective than typical use of condoms or birth control pills. However, LAM may be underutilized due to incomplete perinatal counseling.Methods:
We compared perceptions of the effectiveness of postpartum contraceptives including LAM among U.S.-born nulliparous pregnant women recruited using social media for a trial (NCT04601987). We used descriptive statistics to summarize data.Results:
Of 760 individuals screened, 627 were invited to participate, and 451 (72%) were enrolled. Most (81%) had a college degree; 79% intended to breastfeed for at least 1 month. Only 8% believed exclusive breastfeeding reduces the chance of pregnancy "a lot" within 6 months of delivery and 2% indicated that exclusive breastfeeding is typically more effective than birth control pills or condoms. Compared with those planning to use other postpartum contraceptives, the 17% of respondents who planned to use LAM were more likely to know that breastfeeding delays return of menses (84% versus 44%, p ≤ 0.0001) and provides protection from pregnancy until menses return (54% versus 22%, p ≤ 0.0001). Although 25% of those planning to use LAM believed exclusive breastfeeding reduces pregnancy risk by "a lot," only 5% thought LAM is more effective than birth control pills and only 9% thought that it is more effective than condoms. Conclusions/Implications First-time U.S. mothers are often unaware of breastfeeding's effects on menses and fertility. Clinicians providing counseling about postpartum contraceptive options should include more information on LAM.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Aleitamento Materno
/
Amenorreia
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article