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Source: Institute for Reproductive Health, 1994.
Slide 22
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The Lactational Amenorrhea Method, also known as LAM, is a
temporary contraceptive option used for up to six months postpartum
by women who are fully or nearly fully breastfeeding and remain
amenorrheic. Fully or nearly fully breastfeeding means that
there are no intervals greater than four to six hours between
breastfeeds and no regular dietary supplements have been introduced.
When a woman fully or nearly fully breastfeeds, the baby’s
frequent suckling causes several biological changes that inhibit
ovulation, resulting in a state of temporarily reduced fertility.
LAM provides more than 98 percent protection from pregnancy
until one of three conditions occurs:
- menses returns, or
- the woman is no longer fully – or nearly fully –
breastfeeding, or
- the baby reaches six months of age.
When one of these conditions occurs, another contraceptive
method should be started for continued protection from pregnancy.
A woman should continue breastfeeding for as long as she wishes,
since breastfeeding is good for her infant’s health. Providers
should anticipate the period when LAM will cease in order to
provide protection from pregnancy and counsel women well in
advance about the use of other methods.
Recent studies suggest that if a woman remains amenorrheic
and continues breastfeeding, LAM may be effective for some women
for up to 12 months. Research into the duration of LAM’s
effectiveness continues.
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