Impact of early postpartum administration of progestin-only hormonal contraceptives compared with nonhormonal contraceptives on short-term breast-feeding patterns.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the impact on breast-feeding patterns of early postpartum initiation of progestin-only birth control methods compared with nonhormonal methods.


METHODS
A prospective, nonrandomized trial was performed comparing progestin-only contraceptive methods administered before hospital discharge with nonhormonal methods on breast-feeding continuation rates, exclusive breast-feeding, and supplementation at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after delivery.


RESULTS
Three hundred nineteen women provided complete data until hospital discharge. The hormonal group had higher risk factors for not breast-feeding, but there was no difference among any of the subgroups in breast-feeding continuation rates except at week 4. Supplementation or perception of insufficient milk production did not differ between groups. By week 6, 23.5% of women discontinued breast-feeding, and 64.5% of those breast-feeding were supplementing.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that there is no detectable adverse impact on breast-feeding attributable to progestin-only contraceptive methods initiated within the first 3 days post partum.
Halderman
Lori D
LD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center, USA.
Nelson
Anita L
AL
D001942:Breast Feeding; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011372:Progestins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011372:Progestins; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate