What is this intervention? 

• LAM is a temporary contraceptive method that uses a pattern of breastfeeding to effectively suppress ovulation and prevent pregnancy. When used correctly, LAM is greater than 98% effective.³ 
• To use LAM, women and providers follow three simple criteria:
  • Exclusive breastfeeding
  • Amenorrhea (no vaginal bleeding > 2 months postpartum)
  • Infant < 6 months

Why is this intervention needed?

• Supports mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months, which increases the likelihood of infant survival.
• Is culturally acceptable and provides an opportunity for fathers and mothers to discuss FP in traditional cultures in the context of healthy spacing for the well being of their infant.
• Clarifies the difference between breastfeeding and LAM for both providers and mothers, including how long it is effective as an FP method.
• Serves as a gateway to other modern methods: multinational research shows that 70 % of women who accept LAM are using a modern method of contraception at 12 months postpartum.⁴  

Countries with MCHIP LAM activities: Ghana, Liberia, Bolivia, Malawi, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria, Albania and interests from Mali and Zimbabwe

³Consensus statement: breastfeeding as a family planning method. Lancet 1988; 19 Nov. II (8621): 1204-1205. [2] Kennedy KI, Rivera R, McNeilly A. Consensus statement on the use of breastfeeding as a family planning method. Contraception 1989; 39(5): 477-496.

⁴Khan ME 2008, Hight-Laukaran et al 1997