Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) involves breastfeeding
when all the criteria are met below.
We are aware that some mothers may be concerned about
starting contraception in the first 6 weeks after the birth of
their baby and the aim of this information is to help you make the
decision that is right for you.
Exclusive breastfeeding means that the baby is only having
their mother's own breastmilk, no supplements with formula milk,
donor milk, or any water or solid foods.
When a mother is exclusively breastfeeding her baby and
the baby is feeding frequently, the levels of the hormone prolactin
will stay high enough to stop ovulation from happening.
If you are breast feeding your baby, the available
evidence indicates that progestogen-only methods of contraception
(Intra-uterine hormonal coil, Implant, Injection, and pill) have no
adverse effects on lactation, infant growth, or
development.
Women who breastfeed and experience a bleed in the first 6
months after childbirth have been shown to have a higher risk of
pregnancy.
If used correctly, lactational amenorrhea
method is 99% effective. This means that 2 women in 100
who use breast-feeding will become pregnant in a
year.
Therefore, for breastfeeding to be used as an
effective contraceptive method it is recommended that all three of
these criteria are met.
- Exclusive breastfeeding day and night.
- No long intervals between feeds. This means no more
than 4 hours during
day or 6 hours at
night.
- No periods or bleeds.
- Baby less than 6 months old.
If you breastfeed you should wait until 6 weeks
after the birth of your baby before starting to use any method of
combined hormonal contraception.
If breastfeeding reduces or other LAM criteria is no
longer being fulfilled as above, please speak to your GP, or local
sexual and reproductive healthcare services to move onto another
contraceptive method of your choice.
