Using complete breastfeeding and lactational amenorrhoea as birth spacing methods

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Maternal Health
• Human Lactation

Background:

• The return of fertility postpartum is influenced by breastfeeding practices.
• Lactational amenorrhoea is a natural method of birth spacing.
• Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and ovulation is crucial for family planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of lactational amenorrhoea as a postpartum fertility control method.
• To determine the relationship between extended breastfeeding and the resumption of fertility.
• To assess indicators of ovarian activity in lactating women.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 40 women using breastfeeding patterns, basal body temperature, cervical mucus, salivary ferning, and ultrasonography.
• Monitored menstrual cycles, ovulation, and sexual activity.
• Assessed changes in feeding frequency and intervals postpartum.

Main Results:

• No pregnancies were observed in the study group.
• Breastfeeding frequency decreased significantly in the first six months postpartum.
• Basal body temperature and salivary ferning indicated ovarian activity, while cervical mucus was unreliable.

Conclusions:

• Breastfeeding combined with lactational amenorrhoea is an effective postpartum fertility control method.
• Extended breastfeeding is associated with a delayed return of fertility.
• A "complete" breastfeeding program is recommended for optimal results.