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Is lactation nature's contraceptive? Data from Samoa.

M H Fitzgerald1

  • 1Pacific Basin Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu.

Social Biology
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

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This summary is machine-generated.

Intensive breastfeeding, even on demand, does not reliably prevent menstruation or conception. This challenges the long-held assumption of lactation as a universal fertility control method, impacting family planning.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Anthropology
  • Demography

Background:

  • Lactation has been historically viewed as a natural and effective method of fertility control.
  • This assumption influences family planning strategies and demographic studies, particularly concerning historical populations.
  • Previous beliefs suggest that prolonged and intensive breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and menstruation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of lactation as a method of fertility control.
  • To examine the implications of relying on lactation for family planning.
  • To challenge established assumptions regarding lactation's role in population dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from a Samoan menstruation study.
  • Exploration of applied and theoretical consequences of current beliefs.
Keywords:
American SamoaAnthropologyBiologyBirth IntervalsBreast FeedingContraceptionContraceptive Mode Of ActionData CollectionDemographic FactorsDemographyDeveloping CountriesDietFamily And HouseholdFamily CharacteristicsFamily PlanningFamily Planning ProgramsFamily SizeFertilityFertility MeasurementsHealthHistorical DemographyInfant NutritionInterviewsLactationLipidsMaternal PhysiologyMenstruationMethodological StudiesMicronesia-polynesiaNutritionOceaniaOvulation SuppressionPhysiologyPolynesiaPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPopulation DynamicsPostpartum AmenorrheaPuerperiumReproductionResearch MethodologyRural Population--womenSocial Sciences

Related Experiment Videos

  • Review of existing literature on lactation and fertility.

    • Main Results:

    • Data indicate that lactation, including intensive on-demand breastfeeding, does not inhibit menstruation.
    • Conception is not consistently prevented by lactation, even under intensive conditions.
    • The study suggests lactation is not a universally effective fertility control mechanism.

    Conclusions:

    • Relying on lactation as a sole method of fertility control can have negative consequences for family planning programs.
    • Challenging assumptions about lactation's role is crucial for accurate demographic and anthropological understanding.
    • Further research is needed to re-evaluate the impact of lactation on population growth models.