Effect of the single steroid implant on the quantity and composition of milk in lactating women
Pal, M.N.; Singh, I.; Jalnawalla, S.F.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of India 29(3): 552-556
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0971-9202 PMID: 12335916 Document Number: 442173
A study was undertaken to determine the effects of single steroid implants on the quantity and composition of milk in lactating women. 25 women with well-established lactation in whom the Nor-ethindrone acetate implant with 40 mg of the progestogen was implanted subcutaneously were matched for various characteristics with 25 lactating women who were using conventional contraceptives. The women were studied at 6 weeks postpartum and fortnightly for a period of 6 months. A majority of the mothers felt that their milk supply was sufficient and that their infants seemed satisfied; only 2 of the study group had to supplement their milk supply in the 1st 6 months. Concentration of milk protein decreased steadily at every subsequent follow-up in both groups, due to the low intake of protein in this class of women. The values of milk fat and milk lactose increased steadily in both groups, more so in the study group. Results of the study indicate that progestogen implant contraceptives have no ill effects on the production or quality of milk among lactating mothers.