The Practice of Lactational Amenorrhea as a Method of Contraception among Women in Upper Egypt: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is a highly effective for preventing subsequent pregnancy by 98% during the first six months postpartum. The efficiency and effectiveness of LAM are affected by correct use and adherence to its three criteria.
Objectives: This study aims to assess practice of lactational amenorrhea as a method of contraception among women attending El-Walidia Health Care Center, Assiut City, Assiut Governorate.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from the first day of November 2017 until the end of April 2018 included 400 married women having at least one living child less than five years old. Data were collected using structured questionnaire through personal interview of the study population.
Results: More than one third of married women (34.5%) were in the age group from 25 to under 30 years of age. Of the participants in the study, 63 women (15.8%) were pregnant during use family planning methods, less than half of them used breastfeeding as a contraceptive method. About one third of previously breastfed women reported practice of LAM before, very few numbers of them (9.2%) use it correctly. High incidence of unintended pregnancy (30.8%) was observed among past LAM users due to incorrect use. Practicing of LAM was higher in women from rural residence, not working women and women with low educational level.
Conclusion: This study concluded that mothers had more than three children and rural women more practicing LAM. The findings recommend that the health care providers should encourage mothers to breastfeed their children and give the women good counseling about lactational amenorrhea method.