The natural method
Thinking about contraception during breastfeeding (see Contraception and breastfeeding, part one), I typed these two keywords into the internet, as many of you will do to find information.
I chose to search in English because I find that this way you come across fewer blogs and more «institutional» sites.
Indeed, the first results were kellymom.org and plannedparenthood.com, the latter connected to La Leche League.
The natural contraceptive method based on exclusive breastfeeding is referred to here as lactational amenorrhea, highlighting the fact that menstruation is absent.
The guidelines proposed point out that this method is only reliably effective for its first six months, provided certain rules are followed:
- Feedings spaced no more than 4 hours apart during the day and 6 hours at night, meaning night feeds as well
- Exclusive breastfeeding (nothing else should be offered to the baby for feeding and, if possible, not even for comfort, so it is best to avoid the pacifier)
The failure rate calculated on 100 women for this method is:
- 0.5% risk in the first three months
- 2% between three and six months (in other words, it is estimated that out of every 100 women using the method, 2 could become pregnant)
- 6% after 6 months
For comparison, the risks associated with other possible contraceptive alternatives are also reported:
- 2% risk for the condom
- 0.3% for the progestin-only pill
- 0.1% for the hormonal IUD
For these methods, the failure rates in case of incorrect use are also reported. The condom, for example, if not used from the very start of intercourse and carefully withdrawn before the penis loses tumescence, can lead to unintended pregnancy in 15% of cases. The progestin-only pill (POP) rises to an 8% risk in case of frequent or prolonged missed doses.