We all know that finger-crossing and rough guesses about when we're fertile is not the way to make sure that fertility awareness works as contraception*. You have to know what you’re doing. But just how careful do we have to be? Does using the sympto-thermal method of fertility awareness mean we have to check our waking |
This article was published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care in April 2013. It was written by myself (Sarah Panzetta) and Dr Jill Shawe. Log in here if you have Athens access to the journal.
Background and Guidance The Lactational Amenorrhea Method of contraception (LAM) was formalised over 20 years ago[i] and the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) guidance on postnatal sexual and reproductive health [ii] is clear: “Women may be advised that if they are<6 months postpartum, amenorrhoeic and fully breastfeeding, the lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM) is over 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Women using LAM should be advised that the risk of pregnancy is increased if the frequency of breastfeeding decreases (stopping night feeds, supplementary feeding, use of pacifiers), when menstruation returns or when >6 months postpartum” Yet a recent survey[iii] found “particular inconsistencies” in the advice given to breastfeeding women in the UK |
AuthorFertility awareness (natural family planning) practitioner and advocate. Wants to see fertility awareness become a routine contraceptive option, not the only option. read more... Subscribe to blog...
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