Lactation amenorrhoea: an important present-day component of family planning programmes
Jelliffe, D.B.; Jelliffe, E.F.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 31(5): 240-241
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0142-6338 PMID: 4068079 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/31.5.240Document Number: 581040
Literature is cited that supports the view that technical family planning methods are needed on a community basis not later than about 2 months before the typical time of return to menses and that contraception with non-hormonal methods, if feasible, is preferred. It is argued that it is not a question of whether breastfeeding leads to lactation amenorrhea (and, in turn, to considerable child-spacing), but rather when to introduce other contraceptives. Two actions are recommended for social and health programs to maximize breastfeeding benefits in relation to family planning: provide fertility regulating methods/services appropriate for lactating women; and consider changes in breastfeeding practices to reduce the lactational amenorrhea duration and consequent birth intervals.(wz)