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Reproductive Health
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Lactational Amenorrhea FAQ
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What is the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) of family planning?
LAM is a contraceptive method that is based on the natural postpartum infertility that occurs when a woman is amenorrheic and fully breastfeeding. How does LAM work? (mechanism of action)
The infant's suckling suppresses the production of the hormones that are necessary for ovulation. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot take place. Who can use LAM?
Women who have all three of the following criteria present:
- Exclusively or almost exclusively breastfeeding
- Have not had menses since giving birth
- Are less than six months postpartum
To use LAM, a woman should breastfeed:
- Soon after delivery
- Frequently, upon request, not on schedule
- Without bottles or pacifiers
- Without long intervals between feeds, both day and night
- Without supplementation
- Even when mother and/or baby are ill
Advantages
- Highly effective (at least 98%)
- Easy to use
- Begins immediately postpartum
- No supplies required
- Does not interfere with intercourse
- No side effects
- Has health benefits for mother and infant
- Builds on established cultural and religious practices
Disadvantages
- Not an option for women who do not breastfeed
- Breastfeeding pattern may be difficult to maintain
- Duration of method limited
- No protection against STDs/HIV
Follow-up and counseling
- Initial counseling involves detailed instructions on how to establish optimal breastfeeding practices and how to ensure effectiveness of LAM
- Help women choose another method of contraception and provide it to them before LAM expires
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