Patient Services: Continuous Breastfeeding
What is continuous breastfeeding?
Using continuous breastfeeding, also known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method or LAM, means that you will breastfeed on demand for up to six months after delivery and the baby will have no other foods. This will prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.
How does continuous breastfeeding work?
While a woman is continuously breastfeeding, her body does not produce the hormone that causes ovulation—the release of an egg from an ovary. Pregnancy cannot happen if an egg is not released.
How effective is this method?
Continuous breastfeeding can be up to 95 percent effective in preventing pregnancy for up to six months if...
- she does not use the method longer than six months;
- a woman has not had a period since the delivery;
- she nurses at least six times a day on both breasts (every four hours);
- and she wakes the baby for nighttime breastfeedings.
What are the advantages of using this method?
- Provides the best nutrition for the baby and decreases the likelihood of infections and allergies for the baby. It also improves mother and child bonding.
- No medical or hormonal side effects.
- Requires no supplies or medical supervision.
What are the disadvantages of using this method?
- The method is only effective for six months after delivery.
- It can be very difficult to exclusively breastfeed.
- Does not prevent against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Birth Control Methods
