Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to gain insight into contraception practised and related to breastfeeding duration. Methods: Mothers with infants up to 6 months received a questionnaire on infant feeding (breast or formula feeding) and contraception (hormonal or non-hormonal methods). Estimates of the time interval between resuming contraception and cessation of lactation was calculated by Chained Equations Multiple Imputation. Results: Of all women (n = 2710), 30% choose condoms, 22% the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and few other methods. Breastfeeding was started by 80%, and 18% continued up to 6 months. Of the breastfeeding mothers, 5% used hormonal contraception; 7% of women who used hormonal contraception practised breastfeeding. After adjustment for background variables, the use of OCP is strongly associated with formula feeding: after delivery to the third month postpartum, the crude OR being 17.5 (95% CI: 11.3-27.0), the adjusted OR 14.5 (9.3-22.5); between the third and sixth month postpartum, respectively, 13.1 (95% CI: 8.6-19.9) and 11.7 (7.6-17.9). Of all breastfeeding women, 20-27% resumed OCP at 25 weeks postpartum and 80% introduced formula feeding. The time lag between these events is 6 weeks. Hormonal contraception was resumed after formula introduction. Conclusion: Mothers avoid hormonal contraception during lactation; they change to formula feeding 6 weeks before they resume the OCP. To effectively promote longer duration of breastfeeding, the BFHI needs to address contraception as practised. © 2008 The Author(s).
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 86-90 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics |
Volume | 98 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2009 |
Keywords
- Breastfeeding duration
- Epidemiology
- Imputation
- Lactation
- Practised contraception
- levonorgestrel
- oral contraceptive agent
- adolescent
- adult
- article
- artificial milk
- barrier contraception
- breast feeding
- condom
- female
- hormonal contraception
- human
- infant feeding
- intrauterine contraceptive device
- lactation
- lactation inhibition
- maternal behavior
- Netherlands
- ovulation inhibition
- priority journal
- puerperium
- questionnaire