Breastmilk. Every Ounce Counts.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is the technical way of saying you don't have a period while breastfeeding. Some women use this as a form of family planning. LAM is a temporary form of natural family planning that can be used by women who have recently given birth and are breastfeeding. To use LAM, you must be able to say yes to all four statements:

• You ONLY breastfeed your baby. (You do not give your baby any other food, formula or drinks.)
• You breastfeed your baby at least every four hours during the day, and every six hours at night – no exceptions.
• Your baby is less than six months old.
• You have not started your monthly period.

LAM is 98% effective for moms who can say yes to all four statements. If you can not say yes to all four, it's important to choose another method of birth control to prevent a pregnancy. Be aware that some kinds of birth control will reduce your breastmilk supply.

You have lots of options. Talk to your doctor to figure out which method is best for you.

These birth control methods are completely safe and won't interfere with your milk supply.

• Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
• Condoms (the only method that may also prevent STD infections including HIV/AIDS)
• Diaphragm
• Cervical Cap
• Sterilization
• Natural Family Planning (the Rhythm Method, where you track your monthly cycle)
• Spermicides
• The Sponge
• Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The following methods contain the hormone progestin. They may delay or prevent milk production if taken sooner than six weeks after childbirth. Talk to your doctor to find out more.

• Depo-Provera
• The Minipill (a birth control pill with progestin but no estrogen)
• Progesterone-releasing Intrauterine System (IUD)
• Single-rod implant

The following methods contain the hormones progestin AND estrogen. They can delay or prevent milk production if taken at any point while breastfeeding.

• The Ring
• The Patch
• The Pill
• Emergency Contraception