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Using LAM Correctly

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

Network: Fall 1996, Vol. 17, No. 1

NetworkCopyright Family Health International, 1996. 
Network is reprinted with permission from Family Health International.
1

No Menstrual Cycle

 

Be amenorrheic since delivery

 
2

Woman Breastfeeding

Be fully or nearly fully breastfeeding

 
3

Woman With Infant Less Than 6 Months Old

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:

  1. Contraceptive Technology Update Series: Lactational Amenorrhea (LAM). Research Triangle Park: Family Health International, 1994.
  2. Graphics of photographs were adapted from WHO/20542/B. Genier and WHO/20297 UNICEF/A. Khan.

For more information, visit Family Health International's Website at www.fhi.org

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