Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is considered effective contraception when which set of THREE conditions is simultaneously met?

• A Baby <12 months; breastfeeding at least once daily; postpartum >6 weeks
• B Baby <6 months; mother fully/near-fully breastfeeding day and night; menses not yet returned ✓
• C Baby <6 months; daytime breastfeeding only; menses not yet returned
• D Baby <3 months; breastfeeding at least 4 times per day; menses not yet returned

Explanation

LAM requires ALL three conditions simultaneously: (1) infant <6 months of age, (2) mother is fully or near-fully breastfeeding (on demand, day and night, with no supplementary feeds), and (3) amenorrhoea (menses have not returned). When all three are met, LAM provides >98% contraceptive efficacy, comparable to oral contraceptives. If any one condition changes (menstruation returns, breastfeeding frequency falls, or the baby reaches 6 months), another method must be added. Daytime-only breastfeeding does not suppress prolactin sufficiently for LAM.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.