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Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

Lactational amenorrhea is medical speak for when a woman who breastfeeds consistently after giving birth doesn’t ovulate. This method can be 98% effective at preventing pregnancy IF… 1) It has been less than six months since the baby was born; 2) The baby is only nursing (that means no formula, bottles, or food); AND 3) Your period has not started again. If you aren’t exclusively nursing your baby, you can ovulate as soon as three weeks after giving birth!

 
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How LAM Works

  • When a woman breastfeeds, there are hormones in her body that prevent the egg from leaving the ovary.
  • Changes lining of uterus so that a fertilized egg may not implant.

LAM Works Only If

  • You breastfeed your baby and do not give baby any other food, formula or drinks.
  • You breastfeed your baby every 4 to 6 hours day and night, no exceptions. LAM may not work as well if you give your baby a pacifier.
  • You have not started your monthly period since your baby was born.
  • Your baby is younger than 6 months.

LAM Does Not Work If

  • You pump the milk instead of breastfeeding.
  • Your baby is older than 6 months.
  • You have started your period since your baby was born.
  • You give your baby any other food, formula or drinks.

Benefits

  • Do not have to visit clinic for birth control.
  • Does not interrupt sex.
  • Breastfeeding is good for mother and baby. Helps keep baby healthy.
  • Can be used with some other methods including condoms, spermicides, IUD, Depo-provera, mini-pills, Norplant, natural family planning, and sterilization.

Possible Disadvantages

  • No protection from STls and HIV/AIDS.
  • May not work if you have sudden schedule changes.
  • May not work if mother and baby are separated a lot.
  • Must be ready to use another method when LAM will not work.
  • Cervical caps and sponges do not work as well as they did before baby was born.
  • Mother may have less milk if using birth control methods that have estrogen.

How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy

If used perfectly, 2 out of 100 women get pregnant in a year while using the LAM method.