The socio-demographic correlates of post-partum amenorrhoea in an urban society of India
Nath, D.C.; Goswami, G.
Genus 52(1-2): 105-123
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-6987 PMID: 12347411 DOI: 10.2307/29789223Document Number: 300516
Studies in different parts of the world have shown duration of breast feeding to be positively correlated with duration of postpartum amenorrhea. Breast feeding is, however, associated with a variable period of amenorrhea among nursing mothers. This study of breast feeding practices demonstrated that socioeconomic and educational status largely determine the pattern of postpartum amenorrhea and, consequently, fertility during lactation. Undernourished nursing mothers were found to have a longer duration of postpartum amenorrhea relative to better nourished peers. These findings suggest that any improvement in maternal education and nutritional status may lead to a faster return of fertility in lactating women. Efforts to improve the educational, health, and nutritional status of nursing mothers should be integrated with services which provide adequate modern contraceptive care. The authors used survey data collected from the Assamese-speaking Hindus in urban Guwahati during 1991-92.