Who can use LAM?
Women who have all three of the following criteria present: • Exclusively or almost exclusively breastfeeding • Have not had menses since giving birth • Are less than six months postpartum To use LAM, a woman should breastfeed: • Soon after delivery • Frequently, upon request, not on schedule • Without bottles or pacifiers • Without long intervals between feeds, both day and night • Without supplementation • Even when mother and/or baby are ill Advantages • Highly effective (at least 98%) • Easy to use • Begins immediately postpartum • No supplies required • Does not interfere with intercourse • No side effects • Has health benefits for mother and infant • Builds on established cultural and religious practices Disadvantages • Not an option for women who do not breastfeed • Breastfeeding pattern may be difficult to maintain • Duration of method limited • No protection against STDs/HIV Follow-up and counseling • Initial counseling involves detailed instructions on how to establish optima
