Myth or Fact: Breastfeeding as a Natural Family Planning

Taking care of your little one is a long journey for a mother. A mother's job is to ensure that she can fulfill all her needs appropriately and can support the growth and development of her little one. Wanting to focus on taking care of the little one first usually makes the mother delay pregnancy with contraception or family planning. For mothers who give exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding can be used as natural family planning.

In fact, breastfeeding as a natural family planning is not a myth or a figment. Breastfeeding can be a natural contraceptive method, also known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (MAL). MAL is a contraceptive method that relies on the temporary performance of the hormone prolactin. The hormone prolactin functions to produce breast milk which prevents the ovaries from producing eggs. So there are some breastfeeding mothers who do not experience menstruation or menstruation for several months to a year.

Well, the absence of menstruation can be interpreted as the effectiveness of the MAL method. But don't assume that no period means you can't get pregnant. Because the mother remains fertile up to two weeks before menstruation. In addition, Mommy who wants to delay pregnancy must know some requirements if relying on breastfeeding as a natural family planning. The following requirements must be considered:

1. Breastfeeding mothers have not menstruated again after giving birth or after the puerperium.
2. Babies 0-6 months old. Because of his consideration, babies over the age of 6 months have started solids and the frequency of breastfeeding will decrease.
3. Breastfeeding babies on a regular basis should not have a pause or delay breastfeeding more than 4 hours in 24 hours more than once.

These three requirements must be met. If one of the conditions is not met, then breastfeeding as natural family planning does not apply. Mommy can use other types of contraception such as condoms, IUDs and injections every 3 months which is recommended for breastfeeding. Before choosing the right contraceptive method, breastfeeding mothers should consult first. Choose a contraceptive method according to your needs and help breastfeeding mothers provide exclusive breastfeeding for two years. (Aq/MKK)