{"id":107507,"date":"2020-11-16T07:41:35","date_gmt":"2020-11-16T12:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/107507\/pregnancy-what-is-lam\/"},"modified":"2025-02-03T11:14:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T16:14:43","slug":"pregnancy-what-is-the-lactational-amenorrhea-method","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/107507\/pregnancy-what-is-the-lactational-amenorrhea-method\/","title":{"rendered":"What exactly is the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) for birth control?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), better known as \u2018breastfeeding as birth control,\u2019 is an effective, temporary form of birth control for those breastfeeding in their first six months postpartum. Lactation is the act of producing milk, and amenorrhea means not having a period.  LAM is a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but only if certain criteria are met. If you\u2019ve recently given birth and you\u2019re breastfeeding exclusively \u2014 we\u2019ll get into what that means in a little bit \u2014 your body naturally stops ovulating, or releasing eggs. When there are no eggs to fertilize, there is no risk of pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a new mom breastfeeds continuously \u2013 we\u2019ll get into what that means in a little bit \u2013 her body naturally stops ovulating, or releasing eggs. When there are no eggs to fertilize, there is no risk of pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does \u201cbreastfeeding exclusively\u201d mean?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Breastfeeding exclusively means nursing on cue, whenever baby is hungry during the day and overnight<\/strong> (this usually adds up to at least 8 feedings in 24 hours). It also means that a baby is consuming only breast milk (not formula, not solid foods, and not even water, which babies generally shouldn\u2019t drink yet anyway).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is LAM effective?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Under the circumstances detailed below, there is a very low chance of getting pregnant while using the LAM method. When done perfectly, LAM has a 98% success rate, just like many hormonal birth control methods (like the pill). That means that about 2\/100 people will get pregnant in a year of use.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who can use LAM?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In order for LAM to work, you must meet all three<\/em> of the following criteria:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n