The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is a modern contraceptive method based on the natural infertility resulting from full or nearly full breastfeeding in the absence of menses in the first six months postpartum. LAM - more than 98 percent effective when typically used - contributes to the first six months of the birth spacing interval. Women who become pregnant less than six months after their last delivery are at 2.5 times greater risk of pregnancy and childbirth related deaths. Operations research has demonstrated that promotion of LAM attracts first time family planning users. Promotion of LAM within family planning programs also increases optimal breastfeeding.

LINKAGES worked through ongoing family planning and maternal child health programs to promote LAM and the timely use of all family planning methods appropriate for breastfeeding mothers, as well as to improve referral for family planning and nutrition services. LINKAGES conducted applied research in Jordan to evaluate LAM's impact as a "bridging" method to other modern contraceptives after six months postpartum.

Related Publications and Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

• Lactational Amenorrhea Method View Publication

Spotlight

• Spotlight on LAM Users: Transition to Other Modern Methods of Contraception after Six Months Postpartum View Publication

Multimedia CD

• Advocacy presentation, training modules, IEC materials, M&E materials, bibliography View Online

Training Module and Materials

• LAM: A Postpartum Contraceptive Method for Women Who Breastfeed View Publication
• PowerPoint Presentation "M&E in the Context of LAM" view presentation in English or in Spanish

Research Report

• Promoting the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) in Jordan Increases Modern Contraception Use in the Extended Postpartum Period, October 2005 English

Handbook

• The new handbook, Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, offers clinic-based health care professionals in developing countries the latest guidance on providing contraceptive methods. One of the World Heath Organization’s Four Cornerstones of Family Planning Guidance, the book has been prepared through a unique collaboration between editorial staff at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and technical experts and organizations around the world. English