Lactational Amenorrhea Method Infographic

Discover everything you need to know about the Lactational Amenorrhea Method(LAM) in this easy-to-understand infographic. From explaining how breastfeeding-as-a-contraceptive is practiced and how it works to its effectiveness, benefits, and disadvantages, this visual guide simplifies all the essential information about this natural contraceptive method. Whether you’re considering LAM or just curious, this infographic offers a clear and concise overview of its key features. Scroll down to learn more!

Guide to the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) as a natural birth control option.

References

References

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Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)

Natural

What is it?

The Lactational amenorrhea method(LAM) is a short-term, natural contraceptive centered around exclusive or almost exclusive breastfeeding within 6 months after giving birth, so long as your menstrual bleeding has not returned.

Effectiveness

It is 98-99% effective

Pros

Highly effective for those who meet the criteria.
Eliminates the need for supplementary nutrition for the breastfeeding baby.
It’s a natural and non-hormonal method.
There are no side effects.

Cons

Recommended for only 6 months after childbirth.
It’s dependent on a smooth lactation experience.
High failure rates when not practiced correctly.
It does not protect from STIs.

Withdrawal method (pull-out method)

Natural

The withdrawal method involves pulling out in time to prevent sperm from entering the body.

It's 80% effective.

It’s easy to hide.
It’s cheap. You don’t need supplies or a clinic or pharmacy visit.
It’s non-hormonal and has no side effects.

It’s a high effort method. Its effectiveness relies on the male partner’s self-control.
It has a high rate of failure; it isn’t easy to perform perfectly every single time.
It does not protect from STIs.

Sexual Abstinence

Natural

Sexual abstinence is delaying or avoiding all or some sexual activities.

It's 100% effective.

When fully complied with, it’s the most effective way of preventing pregnancy and STIs.
It’s easy to hide. No one will know.
There are no side effects.

It requires discipline and self-control.
It’s reliant on clear communication and cooperation from your partner.

Fertility awareness methods

Natural

The fertility awareness methods involve pregnancy prevention by keeping track of your menstrual cycle to determine the days that you can get pregnant and avoiding sex on those days.

It's 76-88% effective.

It’s easy to hide as it doesn’t require supplies and a clinic or pharmacy visit.
It’s a natural and non-hormonal method.
There are no side effects.

It’s high effort and requires discipline, planning, and cooperation from your partner.
The calendar and standard days methods will only work if you have regular periods.
It doesn’t protect from STIs.

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Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) FAQ's

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