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Lactation and fertility

I S Rogers1

  • 1Unit of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, University of Bristol, UK.

Early Human Development
|November 18, 1997
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Breastfeeding temporarily prevents ovulation, leading to infertility. While effective at a population level, it's not a reliable individual contraceptive due to varying factors like infant feeding habits and maternal nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Human lactation
  • Maternal and child health

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is known to suppress ovarian activity, causing temporary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and infertility.
  • The duration and frequency of breastfeeding, particularly night-time suckling, are key factors in maintaining this lactational amenorrhea.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between breastfeeding patterns, maternal nutrition, and the return of fertility.
  • To clarify the impact of supplementary feeding on lactational amenorrhea and conception risk.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on breastfeeding, hormonal suppression of ovulation, and fertility.
  • Analysis of factors influencing the duration of amenorrhea, including suckling behavior and maternal nutritional status.
Keywords:
Breast FeedingDemographic FactorsDeveloped CountriesEuropeFamily PlanningFamily Planning, Behavioral MethodsFertility--womenHealthInfant NutritionLactation, ProlongedLiterature ReviewMaternal NutritionNorthern EuropeNutritionPopulationPopulation DynamicsPostpartum AmenorrheaPuerperiumReproductionSupplementary FeedingUnited Kingdom

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Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding frequency and duration are critical for sustained amenorrhea; night-time suckling is especially important.
  • The effect of supplementary feeding on fertility is complex and not fully understood, with conflicting evidence.
  • Well-nourished mothers tend to experience shorter periods of amenorrhea compared to malnourished mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Lactational amenorrhea is a significant factor influencing fertility at a population level.
  • Breastfeeding alone is not a sufficiently reliable method of contraception for individual use.