Biomaterial Database

Is the lactational amenorrhea method a part of natural family planning? Biology and policy. 1991

B A Gross

Department of Medicine, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.

The lactational amenorrhea method is a natural method of family planning for women who breastfeed their infants. The underlying physiology results in a natural suppression of ovulation, and the concomitant amenorrhea, induced by exclusive (or almost exclusive) breastfeeding. This in addition to the infant's age of 6 months or less and specific feeding pattern are the parameters used to identify the possible return of fertility. The lactational amenorrhea method provides at least 98% protection against pregnancy. Data from a recent multicenter study of breastfeeding support the use of the lactational amenorrhea method as a natural family planning method. The lactational amenorrhea method can be incorporated into natural family planning programs and teaching.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007774	Lactation	The processes of milk secretion by the maternal MAMMARY GLANDS after PARTURITION. The proliferation of the mammary glandular tissue, milk synthesis, and milk expulsion or let down are regulated by the interactions of several hormones including ESTRADIOL; PROGESTERONE; PROLACTIN; and OXYTOCIN.	Lactation, Prolonged,Milk Secretion,Lactations, Prolonged,Milk Secretions,Prolonged Lactation,Prolonged Lactations
D010060	Ovulation	The discharge of an OVUM from a rupturing follicle in the OVARY.	Ovulations
D001942	Breast Feeding	The nursing of an infant at the breast.	Breast Fed,Breastfed,Milk Sharing,Wet Nursing,Breast Feeding, Exclusive,Breastfeeding,Breastfeeding, Exclusive,Exclusive Breast Feeding,Exclusive Breastfeeding,Sharing, Milk
D005193	Family Planning Services	Health care programs or services designed to assist individuals in the planning of family size. Various methods of CONTRACEPTION can be used to control the number and timing of childbirths.	Family Planning,Family Planning Programs,Planned Pregnancy,Pregnancy, Planned,Family Planning Program,Family Planning Service,Planned Pregnancies,Planning Service, Family,Planning Services, Family,Pregnancies, Planned,Program, Family Planning,Programs, Family Planning,Service, Family Planning,Services, Family Planning
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000568	Amenorrhea	Absence of menstruation.	Postpartum Amenorrhea,Amenorrhea, Postpartum,Postpartum Amenorrheas