A 28-year-old woman who delivered 6 weeks ago is exclusively breastfeeding her baby on demand, both day and night, and her menstrual periods have not resumed. She is asking about contraceptive options. Regarding the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), which of the following statements is CORRECT?
- A LAM is effective up to 12 months postpartum regardless of menstrual status
- B LAM provides >98% contraceptive efficacy if all three criteria are met ✓
- C LAM is effective only if supplementary feeding has not been introduced
- D LAM requires the woman to also use barrier contraception during breastfeeding
Correct answer: B. LAM provides >98% contraceptive efficacy if all three criteria are met
Explanation
LAM (Lactational Amenorrhea Method) provides >98% contraceptive protection when all three Bellagio criteria are simultaneously met: the infant is less than 6 months old, the mother is fully (exclusively) breastfeeding on demand day and night, and menstrual periods have not resumed. If any criterion is no longer satisfied, additional contraception is required. It works by suppressing GnRH release via suckling-induced prolactin, preventing ovulation.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.