A note on nursing practices in an American isolate with a high birth rate

Abstract An unusually short interval between successive births in a non-contracepting and breast-feeding population has been reported by Dr. Mindel C. Sheps (Pop. Studies, 19, 1). Nursing practices that might affect the interval between birth and pregnancy are reported here from systematic observations made in the field. Probable factors are: (1) a maternal diet high in calories and in protein; (2) although infants are nursed for many months, each nursing period is short in a busy and highly patterned community schedule; and (3) supplementary feeding is introduced at an early age.