Breastfeeding lactational amenorrhea method and natural family planning interface. Teaching guide.

The International Federation for Family Life Promotion designed this guide to help programs integrate the teaching of natural family planning (NFP) methods with teaching of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). It informs trainers that LAM can be learned before delivery or during the first 6 months postpartum. It allows researchers to adapt their teaching depending on whether couples have or do not have previous experience in breast feeding and NFP method use. The guide defines LAM by three conditions: full or nearly full breast feeding no return to menses and less than 6 months postpartum. It focuses on how to teach and follow-up LAM and on how and when to switch from LAM to another chosen family planning method. It does not include details on other natural family planning methods (Billings Ovulation Method Modified Mucus Method and Sympto-Thermal Method). The first section of the guide covers what needs to be done during the introductory visit. The subsection on the first visit before delivery addresses eight optimal breast feeding behaviors colostrum definitions of breast feeding use of LAM and early days rule. The second and third sections include follow-up contacts up to five months and the 5-6 month visit. The fourth section discusses the transition from LAM to an NFP method. The last section covers returning to work and separation from the baby. The LAM Follow-Up Chart and the Breastfeeding Technique comprise the appendices.