LAM as BC - question about breastfeeding

[Dixielane]

I am 4 weeks PP (and sort of using LAM, but only until my PP visit) and I have a question for anyone familiar with LAM

If I take a day off from BFing because of sore nipples does the body know the difference between pumping and baby or does it make you start your period alot sooner than you would if you didn't ever pump? Im just wondering if its that delicate of a thing.

Just wondering.

And what criteria really must be met for LAM to work? And what changes its effectiveness?

[GOPLawyer]

Based purely on my own experience...your body doesn't know the difference. I pumped for a year for DS2 and AF didn't come back 'till I stopped. I also pumped for DD while she was in the NICU for 48 and AF still stayed away.

That being said...is pumping easier on your nipples? I always found it to be more painful.

Have you had the latch checked?

[Dixielane]

Originally Posted by GOPLawyer

Based purely on my own experience...your body doesn't know the difference. I pumped for a year for DS2 and AF didn't come back 'till I stopped. I also pumped for DD while she was in the NICU for 48 and AF still stayed away.

That being said...is pumping easier on your nipples? I always found it to be more painful.

Have you had the latch checked?

Thanks. I just didnt know if 1 day of a break would've been enough for my body to think it should start my period up.. I am just 4 wks PP, but still was curious...

As for the latch, well I had a lactation consultant help us the first 2 weeks.. DD has always BF wonderful but me being a DD bra size, she could easily just take in my nipple if I wasnt helping position her properly.. And this last week, we've started nursing alot in bed, which means more lazy positioning and me not watching to make sure she latches right.. so thats why I got so sore. I dont think pumping hurts at all, it helped alot along with using lots of ice and soothies yesterday, now I am back to BFing today

[Mamabeakley]

It really depends. For some people, pumping doesn't have the same LAM effect as nursing - for others it is fine. It's unlikely that one day of pumping would bring a return of fertility, but is is within the realm of possibility. Also, if you are regularly pumping and feeding EBM by other means, that is NOT following the "rules" of LAM as birth control - which are (in part) to nurse for all suckling needs - no paci, no bottles.

[CherryBomb]

Strictly speaking, you can not depend on LAM if you're pumping and giving EBM, even for one day (or one bottle- even one bottle is a missed nursing session). The suckling at the breast is crucial for suppressing ovulation. Individual women may be able to give EBM occasionally without ovulation returning, but "the rules" don't allow it.

And yes, your body knows the difference between a pump and a baby.

[kltroy]

See my post with LAM stats on another thread here:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1234142

Personally, I pumped daily from 3-6 months with my first child when I went back to work (used FAM after that) and I was very happy with that. My period did not return until 16-17 months postpartum with either child even though I was working full-time and pumping (thru age ~13 months) with both.

[JamieCatheryn]

The criteria for more reliable LAM are, as I recall:
Nursing on demand, directly, every feeding.
No pacifiers.
Cosleeping and not nightweaned.
Period not yet returned.
Not more than 4 months postpartum (6 months for a little less reliability).

If you skip a day or go longer than 4 months the chances of ovulation and therefore chances of conception go up. That said, the *average* time nursing on demand (even with some pumping) puts off the return of fertility and cycles is 14 months.

[MyFillingQuiver]

Originally Posted by CherryBomb

Strictly speaking, you can not depend on LAM if you're pumping and giving EBM, even for one day (or one bottle- even one bottle is a missed nursing session). The suckling at the breast is crucial for suppressing ovulation. Individual women may be able to give EBM occasionally without ovulation returning, but "the rules" don't allow it.

And yes, your body knows the difference between a pump and a baby.

I'm with CherryBomb (as usual..love her!) on this one..I think LAM is incredibly reliable when followed well..and taking into account individuality of the nursing relationship, and the effect of that particular relationship on your own cycle.

For example, I was EBF our 2nd baby, and practicing LAM. He was bf'ed on demand, and we co-slept most of the night once he had his first night time feeding. When he was four months old, I proclaimed I was pregnant, and I was. What was the cause for the method failing for us? I would say, it was likely the slightly greater span of between feedings during the day and night, that occur even with an attached baby. It was just enough.

The same thing just happened to me last fall. I was EBF our 6 month old, watching for my fertility signs and I had ZIP. I hadn't even slightly regained my usual ovulation CM increase that's generally my best indicator. I became pregnant...likely because my baby, who refused to nap away from me, was becoming more settled into long sleep periods at night due to being exhausted. That was all it took.

So, I would say it's important to always understand that LAM is very reliable when followed well, AND that because it's not hormonal or sterilization, "failure" occurs when the body and nursing relationship are in a place of just enough return to fertility! I would recommend fully sleeping with your baby, and having many comfort nursing periods during the day and night, in addition to nutrition, to absolutely prevent pregnancy..something I slacked off on when baby seemed less needy for it.

[mizznicole]

Here's my standard link: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html

I EBF'd my first and menses returned at 7 months (I was so mad!). I think that the way to be really sure is to keep charting. That way you can know for sure if you've ovulated before the return of menses.