Puerperium and breast-feeding

The issues related to breast-feeding and problems of the puerperium are often obfuscated by the general but outdated practice of recommending cessation of lactation. This article examines recent literature (June 1991 to May 1992) on breast-feeding and the treatment of puerperal problems, emphasizing that breast-feeding may be maintained during virtually all treatment modalities. Additionally, the use of drugs to support or suppress lactation has been of interest, and the increased attention to the fertility impact of breast-feeding, breast-feeding and maternal health, and human immunodeficiency virus and breast-feeding has resulted in several new articles of note. In general, the recent study of breast-feeding has identified many positive side effects, while other articles confirm that the treatment for retained placenta, postpartum pain, and puerperal infection, as discussed in recent literature, do not contraindicate breast-feeding.