Three Criteria for LAM Use

Behavior: The breastfeeding mother can use the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) as a family planning method if she meets three criteria:

1. The mother's period has not resumed (she has not seen her period) AND
2. The baby is fully or nearly fully breastfed* AND
3. The baby is less than six months old.

• The more often a baby breastfeeds, the longer it will take for a mother's menstrual periods to resume.
• Babies should be breastfed at least eight times in 24 hours. No intervals between feeds should be more than four hours in the day and six hours in the night. Babies should be nursed frequently and for as long as the infant wants to remain on the breast, both day and night.
• While exclusive breastfeeding is not necessary for LAM to be effective, the closer the pattern is to exclusive, the better for mother and baby.
• Introducing water, liquids, and foods can reduce the amount of suckling at the breast and result in the return of menses.