Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Postpartum contraception: the lactational amenorrhea method

M Vekemans1

  • 1Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.

The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception
|June 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Cost-effectiveness of five prenatal screening strategies for trisomies and other unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities: model-based analysis.

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·2019
Same author

Diagnostic yield of chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with isolated increased nuchal translucency: a French multicenter study.

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·2017
Same author

Transmission of HIV Drug Resistance and the Predicted Effect on Current First-line Regimens in Europe.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America·2015
Same author

Xq25 duplication: the crucial role of the STAG2 gene in this novel human cohesinopathy.

Clinical genetics·2015
Same author

Non-invasive prenatal testing for trisomy 21 based on analysis of cell-free fetal DNA circulating in the maternal plasma.

Prenatal diagnosis·2015
Same author

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the lower limb's venous system in human fetuses using the computer-assisted anatomical dissection (CAAD) technique.

Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA·2014
Same journal

Dissociation of gonadal and adrenal androgens one year after etonogestrel implant insertion.

The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception·2026
Same journal

A titrated low-dose misoprostol protocol for second-trimester abortion (13-26 weeks) in women with one prior cesarean and preterm premature rupture of membranes: a clinical practice report.

The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception·2026
Same journal

Factors associated with unplanned pregnancy among pregnant female adolescents in the Southeast region of Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception·2026
Same journal

Contraceptive effectiveness of a digital contraceptive with a wearable device vs an oral thermometer.

The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception·2026
Same journal

Fertile-window misclassification in period-tracking applications and associated pregnancy risk: a large observational analysis.

The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception·2026
Same journal

Measurement of pain during first trimester medical abortion: an exploratory qualitative study.

The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception·2026
See all related articles

The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) uses breastfeeding to naturally space births and suppress fertility. LAM is highly effective for up to six months when specific criteria are met, offering a natural family planning option.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Family Planning
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Breastfeeding significantly contributes to fertility reduction and longer birth intervals.
  • However, breastfeeding alone is not a reliable method for individual fertility suppression.
  • The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) leverages physiological processes to space births effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) as a reliable tool for individual fertility suppression and birth spacing.
  • To highlight the physiological mechanisms behind LAM, including hormonal changes induced by suckling.
  • To outline the criteria and implementation strategies for LAM within family planning programs.

Main Methods:

  • The study describes the physiological basis of LAM, involving hormonal pathways affected by suckling.

Related Experiment Videos

  • It defines the three simultaneous conditions required for LAM effectiveness: infant age under 6 months, maternal amenorrhea, and exclusive breastfeeding.
  • A standardized algorithm for presenting LAM is utilized, with ongoing experiments extending its use to 9-12 months.

    • Main Results:

    • LAM is at least 98% effective, comparable to other contraceptive methods.
    • During lactation, menses before 6 months are typically anovulatory, maintaining low fertility.
    • LAM provides a temporary natural family planning method, allowing time to select a long-term contraceptive.

    Conclusions:

    • The lactational amenorrhea method is an efficient and promoted family planning method.
    • LAM should be integrated with other contraceptive methods when its criteria are no longer met.
    • Promoting LAM requires comprehensive training, support for working mothers, and collaboration between healthcare teams.