User:Mr. Ibrahem/Lactational amenorrhea

Lactational amenorrhea, also called postpartum infertility, is the temporary inability to get pregnant that occurs with fully breastfeeding following childbirth. It is effective for about 6 months as long as there are no periods, which are defined as 2 or more days of bleeding occurring after 56 days of delivery. With perfect use, pregnancy occurs in less than 2%; while, with typical use rates are around 2% to up to 7.5%. In those who are working or in school pregnancy rates are around 5%.

Effectiveness is decreased if formula or a breast pump is used. Periods may reoccur sooner in women who are obese; though, this method may otherwise be used. Use may not be recommended in women with certain infections. It provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections. The underlying mechanism involves breastfeeding triggering a decrease in gonadotropin releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone, which stops menstruation.

The method was first clearly defined in 1988. While its use is free, it requires feeding every 4 hours during the day and 6 hours at night. Purposeful use is relatively infrequent, with use as a form of birth control among women of reproductive age being less than 0.8% as of 2019. Some people choose this method due to religious beliefs.