This article is part of a series on using breastfeeding as birth control.
What are the advantages and benefits of using breastfeeding as birth control?
Q: I heard of the LAM method but struggle to understand its advantages/ benefits versus more traditional methods like IUDs or the pill?
A: The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) states that for breastfeeding to be an effective form of birth control you need to meet all three criteria:
- your baby is under 6 months
- you don't have you periods
- you practise exclusive or quasi-exclusive breastfeeding on demand, day and night
Using breastfeeding as birth control has many advantages if you meet the three LAM criteria. The benefits are, in no particular order:
- It's free!
- It's highly effective when used properly, with an efficacy rate of up to 99.5% (see comparison chart here). That's higher than condoms or the pill!
- It's safe to your breastmilk and your baby. If you take the pill for instance, that might affect the quality of your milk.
- It doesn't require a prescription from a doctor
- It helps with recovery from birth. IUDs for instance might negatively affect your uterine recovery.
Of course, in order for LAM to work you have to breastfeed your baby exclusively, which means no other solid or liquid than your breast milk.
Producing a high enough volume of milk to exclusively breastfeed their baby might be difficult for some women.
We find Milk Boost Tea to be a considerable help if that's your case. It's a 100% natural herbal tea designed to help you boost your milk volume as well as the quality of your breast milk.
Milk Boost Tea may help you breastfeed your baby exclusively
Among its ingredients is Dong Quai, a root also known as the "female ginseng" for its wide range of health benefits for women. It also contains Sponge gourds (Loofah), famous for their ability to facilitate lactation.
You might also be interested by the other articles in our series about using breastfeeding as birth control:
Article tags: Breastfeeding and maternity
