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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

Correcting Misunderstandings (see also Questions and Answers)

The lactational amenorrhea method:

  • Is highly effective when a woman meets all 3 LAM criteria.
  • Is just as effective among fat or thin women.
  • Can be used by women with normal nutrition. No special foods are required.
  • Can be used for a full 6 months without the need for supplementary foods. Mother's milk alone can fully nourish a baby for the first 6 months of life. In fact, it is the ideal food for this time in a baby's life.
  • Can be used for 6 months without worry that the woman will run out of milk. Milk will continue to be produced through 6 months and longer in response to the baby's suckling or the mother's expression of her milk.
Why Some Women Say They Like the Lactational Amenorrhea Method
  • It is a natural family planning method.
  • It supports optimal breastfeeding, providing health benefits for the baby and the mother
  • It has no direct cost for family planning or for feeding the baby