[Study on the relationship between first ovulation and infant feeding in lactating postpartum women].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the first ovulation after delivery and to provide scientific data for contraception in lactating postpartum women.


METHODS
From January 1996 to December 1998, 101 lactating women were continuously monitored of their ovulation by ultrasound, basal body temperature (BBT) measurement and cervical mucus examination.


RESULTS
The evidences of first ovulation (follicle > 1.8 cm in diameter) were found by ultrasound in 53 (52.5%) women during 154 days after delivery on the average and there were 11 (10.9%, 11/101) subjects who had first ovulation during 4 months after delivery and 42 (41.6%, 42/101) subjects had, after 4 months. Significant positive correlation was found between the time of supplementary feeding and the time of the first menses (n = 100, r = 0.4764, P < 0.01) and first ovulation (n = 53, r = 0.5554, P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
For postpartum mother it is suitable to begin with birth control method at the 4th month after delivery and to prolong the breast feeding is also a good method for birth control.
Xu
Z
Z
Shandong Institute For Family Planning, Jinan 250002.
Qiu
Y
Y
Li
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010060:Ovulation; D049590:Postpartum Period; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography