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Using LAM Correctly

To use lactational amenorrhea correctly, a woman must meet three criteria.

1 Be amenorrheic since delivery		2 Be fully or nearly fully breastfeeding		3 Be in the first six months postpartum
If any of these conditions changes, she should initiate the use of another family planning method immediately if she wishes to avoid pregnancy. "Nearly fully" breastfeeding means that about 90 percent of infant feeds are breastfeeds and no intervals between breastfeeds are greater than four to six hours.
Advantages Universally available Very effective (at least 98 percent) Begins immediately postpartum Health benefits for mother and infant No commodities or supplies required Bridge to other contraceptives Builds on established cultural and religious practices Improves breastfeeding and weaning patterns Postpones use of hormonal contraception until infant is more mature
Disadvantages Breastfeeding pattern may be difficult to maintain No STD or HIV protection Duration of method limited Only useful for breastfeeding postpartum women

Source:

Contraceptive Technology Update Series: Lactational Amenorrhea (LAM). Research Triangle Park: Family Health International, 1994.

Graphics of photographs were adapted from WHO/20542/B. Genier and WHO/20297 UNICEF/A. Khan.

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