A postpartum woman who is exclusively breastfeeding wants to rely on lactational amenorrhea for contraception. For LAM to provide about 98% protection, ALL of the following must be true EXCEPT:

• A Infant younger than 6 months
• B Exclusive or near-exclusive breastfeeding day and night
• C Return of menses has not occurred
• D Maternal BMI below 25 kg/m² ✓

Explanation

LAM depends on three conditions: the infant is under 6 months old, the mother is fully or nearly fully breastfeeding on demand including night feeds, and menses have not returned. Maternal body weight plays no role in the efficacy of LAM, so a BMI threshold is not part of the criteria. If any one condition fails, another contraceptive method should be started.

Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.