Breastfeeding and contraception.

Women who breastfeed are less likely to use hormonal contraceptives. Within 6 weeks after weaning to artificial infant food many women in the Van Wouwe et al study start oral contraceptives (OCP). The researchers advise to include more attention is given to this aspect that may decrease breastfeeding duration in the  BFHI (Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative) materials. According to the outcomes of the review of the literature Kapp c.s. conducted this fear for OCP may be unnecessary.  In multiple studies they found no evidence of possible negative effects of progestogen only OCP’s; the evidence for safety for the breastfed child was less strong, due to methodologically limited studies. Who none the less wants to avoid OCP’s modern fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning are a valid option. Pallone & Bergus urge family physicians to get more expertise in counselling their patients is these methods.
Van Wouwe JP, Lanting CI, Van Dommelen P, Treffers PE, Van Buuren S: Breastfeeding duration related to practised contraception in the Netherlands. Acta Pædiatrica 2009, 98(1):86-90
Kapp N, Curtis K, Nanda K: Progestogen-only contraceptive use among breastfeeding women: a systematic review. Contraception 2010, 82(1):17-37.
Stephen R. Pallone SR and George R. Bergus GR: Fertility Awareness-Based Methods: Another Option for Family Planning. J Am Board Fam Med 2009; 22: 147-157