How flexible is the method?
LAM is a flexible method. In some countries, programs may modify the criteria slightly to reflect cultural norms or national policies without decreasing the method’s efficacy. Many women have occasionally had longer intervals between feedings, their baby has slept through a night, or they have fed the baby regularly with small amounts of complementary foods, and still have had the same high level of effectiveness. In some settings, programs modify or simplify the method to meet local conditions. For example, they may require exclusive breastfeeding as an eligibility criterion and not accept nearly full breastfeeding. It is important for the health care or family planning provider to understand the criteria and the parameters of flexibility of LAM when modifying any aspect of the method.
LAM is a flexible method. In some countries, programs may modify the criteria slightly to reflect cultural norms or national policies without decreasing the method’s efficacy. Many women have occasionally had longer intervals between feedings, their baby has slept through a night, or they have fed the baby regularly with small amounts of complementary foods, and still have had the same high level of effectiveness. In some settings, programs modify or simplify the method to meet local conditions. For example, they may require exclusive breastfeeding as an eligibility criterion and not accept nearly full breastfeeding. What is important is that the health care or family planning provider understand the criteria and the parameters of flexibility of LAM when modifying any aspect of the method.
