What is the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)?
The lactational amenorrhea method, commonly known as LAM or “breastfeeding as a contraceptive,” is a temporary contraception that is centered around breastfeeding. It is solely based on the natural effect that breastfeeding has on a woman’s fertility. Breastfeeding naturally suppresses fertility.
The word “lactational” is derived from “lactation” meaning to breastfeed, while “amenorrhea” simply means not having a monthly period.
You can use breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy for up to six months after having a baby. This only works if you meet all three criteria listed below:
– The baby is fully or nearly fully breastfeeding often and both day and night.
Fully breastfeeding includes both exclusive (the infant relies on only breastmilk for all its nutrients) and almost exclusive (in addition to breastfeeding, the infant will once in a while receive water, vitamins, juice, or other nutrients).
Nearly fully breastfeeding means that, although the baby is receiving nutrients from food and/or drinks, at least more than three-quarters of its nutrients are derived from breastfeeding.
– The baby is less than six months old.
– Your menstrual period has not yet resumed.
In summary, this method works if you have just given birth, your period hasn’t returned, and you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby (1).
How to use breastfeeding as birth control?
LAM primarily works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries). In this case, frequent breastfeeding temporarily stops the release of hormones that cause ovulation (2).
How effective is breastfeeding as birth control?
The effectiveness of this method at preventing pregnancy depends primarily on how you use it. If you are unable to fully or nearly fully breastfeed your infant, you are at the highest risk of getting pregnant.
As commonly used, 98% of women using the LAM method can prevent pregnancy within the first six months after giving birth. This means that approximately 2 out of every 100 women using this method will get pregnant.
With perfect use, 99% of women using the LAM method manage to prevent a pregnancy within the first six months after giving birth (3).
When is it advisable to use Lactational amenorrhea method ?
– If you are not planning to use any other method within six months after giving birth and you’re exclusively breastfeeding.
– If you cannot afford any other contraceptive within six months after giving birth.
– If you are looking to use a temporary/short-term contraceptive during your postpartum period.
– If you have no access to another modern method of contraception.
– For religious or cultural reasons.
