The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is  a birth control method that involves breastfeeding exclusively to prevent pregnancy:

How it works: Breastfeeding hormones can stop the body from releasing eggs, which prevents pregnancy.

When to use it: LAM can be used up to six months after giving birth.

How to use it correctly: To use LAM correctly, you must:

  • Breastfeed exclusively day and night
  • Feed your baby every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night
  • Not give your baby any other food, formula, or drinks, except for water, juice, or vitamins
  • Not use a pacifier or dummy
  • Not have any periods or bleeds

Effectiveness: When used correctly, LAM is 99% effective.

Limitations: LAM doesn’t protect against HIV or other STDs. You should also have another method of birth control ready by the time your baby is six months old.

What doesn’t count as LAM: Pumping milk instead of breastfeeding, giving your baby other food, or starting your period since your baby
was born all count as not using LAM correctly.