The feasibility of suppressing ovarian activity following the end of amenorrhoea by increasing the frequency of suckling.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of suppressing ovarian activity by increasing the frequency of suckling episodes.


METHODS
Prospective study was carried out with 19 exclusively breastfeeding volunteers. Ten subjects (experimental group) increased the suckling episodes by minimum 50% per day from the beginning of the first postpartum menses. Nine controls continued breastfeeding as before. Estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH and prolactin were measured in blood samples, drawn twice a week up to the second postpartum menses or for 60 days, by RIA. Student's t-test was employed.


RESULTS
The higher suckling frequency prevented ovulation in 7 of 10 cases examined according to the plasma progesterone concentration (< 9.5 nmol/l). Significantly higher average prolactin value could also be found in the experimental group (1038 (527) munits/l vs. 518 (245) munits/l; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that an earlier initiation of the increase in breastfeeding frequency may delay the resumption of ovulation. Frequent, full time lactation may reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Gellén
J J
JJ
WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D001942:Breast Feeding; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology*; D010298:Parity; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone