LAM is started immediately after giving birth. Start breastfeeding within an hour of giving birth or as soon as possible. The yellowish fluid (colostrum) produced by the mother’s breasts in the first few days after birth contains substances that are very important to the baby’s health.
The method should continue throughout the first six months after childbirth, as long as you can fully or nearly fully breastfeed your baby and your monthly period has not returned.
What level of breastfeeding is required for LAM to work?
Ideally, the infant will need to be fed on demand and at least 10–12 times per day within the first few weeks after birth and, afterward, at least 8–10 times a day, including at least once at night during the first few months.
Daytime feeding should not have a gap of more than four hours and nighttime feeding should not be more than six hours apart.
Does LAM work if I pump and breastfeed?
No. If you want to use LAM as a contraceptive, it will only be effective if you nurse your infant. If you are breastfeeding and using formula milk too, LAM may not be the most effective method for you.
What should I do after six months of LAM?
At six months, most babies cannot be sustained by the nutrients derived from breast milk alone. It is recommended that you introduce your infant to other foods (weaning).
Introducing your infant to other food means that you cannot continue relying on LAM to prevent pregnancy. You should make an appointment with your health-care provider to discuss your contraception options.
How long will it take for my period to resume after using LAM as my contraceptive?
The return of fertility after stopping LAM depends on how much longer the woman continues to breastfeed. Weaning is usually a gradual process, and this means that some babies will rely on breast milk for longer than others. But once the breastfeeding frequency decreases, ovulation will likely occur.
What happens if I am unable to breastfeed or my period returns while on LAM?
If at any point you are unable to breastfeed as regularly or your monthly period has returned, you should consider switching to a more effective contraceptive and continue breastfeeding for the benefit of the infant.
Make an appointment will your health-care provider to find out what your options are. You may be advised to use condoms or switch to progestin-only pills, which are ideal for breastfeeding mothers.
