The 'Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)' of contraception is considered highly effective (>98%) only when ALL three criteria are met simultaneously. Which of the following correctly lists all three criteria?

• A Partial breastfeeding + amenorrhoeic + infant < 12 months of age
• B Exclusive breastfeeding + amenorrhoeic + infant < 12 months of age
• C Exclusive breastfeeding + amenorrhoeic + infant < 6 months of age ✓
• D Exclusive breastfeeding + regular menses + infant < 6 months of age

Explanation

LAM is effective as a contraceptive method only when all three conditions are simultaneously present: (1) exclusive breastfeeding (no supplementary feeds, formula, or water — feeds on demand including night feeds), (2) mother is amenorrhoeic (no return of menstrual bleeding after 56 days postpartum), and (3) infant is less than 6 months old. Once any one criterion fails — supplementary feeding begins, menstruation returns, or infant reaches 6 months — LAM effectiveness drops significantly and an additional contraceptive method should be adopted. The mechanism is suppression of GnRH pulsatility by suckling-induced prolactin surges.

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.