What is it?
LAM stands for Lactational Amenorrhea Method. It means that
you use breastfeeding as a method of birth control. Lactational means
breastfeeding. Amenorrhea means having no monthly period.
LAM makes use of the normal things that happen in a woman’s
body after childbirth and when she breastfeeds. The baby’s sucking prevents her
body from releasing an egg (ovulation). If a woman does not release an egg, she
cannot become pregnant.
| Woman breastfeeding a baby |
How well does it work?
This method works well if used correctly. It will work ONLY
if all these factors apply to you:
- Your baby is under 6 months old.
- Your monthly periods have not returned.
- Your baby is ONLY breastfed and is not receiving any other foods or liquids.
- Your baby breastfeeds on demand during the day and every night (minimum of 6 feedings every 24 hours).
LAM does not protect you from sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). You and your partner should use a condom. Talk to your
nurse, nurse practitioner or doctor for more information about this method of
birth control.
Are there any side effects?
There are no side effects to this method of birth control.
But if your period returns, no matter how old your baby is, start using another
method of birth control right away.
