Natural and hormone-free, effective as long as exclusive breastfeeding is maintained, particularly within six months postpartum.
Breastfeeding as birth control, also known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), relies on the natural suppression of fertility that occurs during exclusive breastfeeding. This method is most effective when the baby is less than six months old, feeds exclusively on breast milk (no other liquids or solids), and nurses frequently, both day and night. During this period, the mother typically does not have menstrual periods, indicating reduced fertility. However, it’s crucial to understand that the effectiveness of this method decreases significantly once the baby starts to eat solid foods, if breastfeeding is not exclusive, or as the postpartum period extends beyond six months.
