Lactational amenorrhea (LAM) is a temporary form of birth control that can be used while breastfeeding. This can be used in the first 6 months postpartum by a person who is exclusively breastfeeding and is considered to be 98% effective.
LAM works to suppress ovulation through frequent exclusive breastfeeding that suppresses the hormones needed to release an egg or have a period.
LAM requires the infant to be exclusively breastfed with no long stretches without feeding, 4 hours max, and no bottles used.
This is only effective for the first 6 months, before the baby consistently sleeps through the night and before solid foods are introduced.
If any of these conditions are not met — such as supplementing with formula, going longer than 4 hours between feeds, or the baby beginning solid foods — LAM is no longer considered effective and another birth control method should be started.
Learn More About Birth Control Options
This article is part of Haven Health Education, where we explain birth control options so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Postpartum Birth Control Support in Greensboro and Across North Carolina
If you are breastfeeding and considering Lactational Amenorrhea (LAM) as a temporary birth control option, Haven Health provides postpartum birth control counseling in Greensboro, North Carolina and by telehealth across the state.
Many new parents have questions about how breastfeeding affects ovulation, how long LAM is effective, and when to transition to another birth control method. Haven Health helps you understand how this method fits into your postpartum and reproductive care plan.
Patients from Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Kernersville, and surrounding Guilford County communities visit Haven Health for personalized postpartum and reproductive care.
If you live anywhere in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, or other North Carolina communities, you can schedule a virtual visit to talk through your postpartum birth control options without needing to come into the office.
Haven Health offers patient-centered, evidence-based reproductive care both in person and online across North Carolina.