- Universally available
- 98% effective (or more)
- Begins immediately postpartum
- Health benefits for mother and infant
- No commodities/supplies required
- Bridge to other contraceptives
- Builds on established cultural and religious practices
- Improves breastfeeding and weaning patterns
- Postpones use of steroids until infant is more mature
|
As with any contraceptive method, a couple must consider advantages
and disadvantages and be free to choose the method that best
meets their needs.
There are several advantages of the Lactational Amenorrhea
Method, and providers should explain these to clients:
- LAM is universally available to all breastfeeding women.
- It is at least 98 percent effective.
- Protection begins immediately postpartum.
- There are proven health benefits of breastfeeding for the
mother and infant.
- No commodities or supplies are required for clients or for
family planning programs.
- LAM can be used temporarily while a breastfeeding woman
decides whether to use another contraceptive method. From
this perspective, LAM may be viewed as a bridge to using other
contraceptives.
- In many regions LAM may build on established religious and
cultural practices.
- LAM may help to improve breastfeeding and weaning patterns.
Breastfeeding patterns required for LAM are associated with
decreased reproductive tract cancers, anemia and osteoporosis
for the mother. These breastfeeding patterns also improve
the growth, development and survival patterns among infants.
- LAM allows breastfeeding mothers to postpone use of contraceptive
steroids until the infant is more mature.
|
