The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): a postpartum introductory family planning method with policy and program...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Family Planning

Background:

• Breastfeeding significantly impacts child survival and nutrition.
• Effective child spacing improves birth outcomes and maternal recovery.
• Breastfeeding naturally provides a period of infertility, but lacked reliable individual methods for child spacing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the development, efficacy, and sequelae of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
• To highlight LAM as an introductory family planning method promoting both child spacing and breastfeeding.
• To discuss the utilization of lactational infertility for efficacious child spacing.

Main Methods:

• Clinical trials confirmed the theoretical effectiveness of LAM (98% or higher).
• Field trials demonstrated the acceptability of LAM among users.
• Data from multiple studies were used to analyze the method's development and outcomes.

Main Results:

• LAM is recommended for up to six months postpartum for fully or nearly fully breastfeeding and amenorrheic women.
• The method relies on maintaining appropriate breastfeeding practices to prolong lactational infertility.
• LAM effectively delays the return of menses, providing pregnancy protection.

Conclusions:

• LAM is a valuable family planning method that supports breastfeeding and child spacing.
• Despite some debate, LAM's efficacy and acceptability are supported by clinical and field trials.
• LAM offers optimal nutrition and disease prevention benefits for infants while aiding maternal recovery.