Contraceptive usage during lactation: analysis of 1973 and 1976 National Survey of Family Growth: I. Age and race

The Development and Use of Graphically Presented Algorithms in Community-Based Family Planning Services

Graphically presented algorithms are presently used in many settings worldwide for the diagnosis, management, and teaching of curative health services. There is potential as well for using such algorithms for teaching and counseling in the preventive services, especially in family planning services. The employment of paramedical or lesser trained workers in family planning or management requires careful attention to skill development in all phases of training. The use of graphically presented algorithms may simplify this process of skill development. In addition, the algorithms provide guidelines for use in the field by those providing family planning services, and for program management and supervision. Examples of algorithms used in paramedical services are presented. The development of two algorithms are discussed in detail, 1) an algorithm for introduction of contraceptives during lactation, and 2) an algorithm for supervision of data collection.

Drug utilization in breast-feeding women. A survey in Oslo

In a retrospective questionnaire survey of 885 women who had given birth 3-5 months before, fewer of those who were still breast-feeding at 4 months (n = 645) were using drugs than those who had stopped breast-feeding before 4 months (n = 240), during the 2 week period preceding registration. The average number of doses (Defined Daily Doses/1000 women/day) was 166 and 307, respectively, in that period. The number of doses taken was significantly associated with the use of oral contraceptive agents (p less than 0.005) and young maternal age (p less than 0.05). Most of the variation in drug use between breast-feeding and not breast-feeding mothers was probably due to the greater use of contraception by the latter. The number of drugs used per mother in the 4 month period seemed to be best predicted by her and her infant's disorders. Long-term medication in breast-feeding women included many drugs for which there is incomplete or no data about milk transfer, e.g. salbutamol, clemastine, dexchlorpheniramine, phenylpropanolamine, cromoglycate and levomepromazine. The disorders most extensively treated with drugs in this period were dyspepsia, haemorrhoids and inflammation of the breast. The finding that smoking was associated with early weaning and consumption of alcohol with prolonged breast-feeding calls for further investigation. More information on these drug and health issues to the breast-feeding mother is highly desirable.

Contraceptive usage during lactation in the United States: an update

National Surveys of Family Growth data showed that as of 1982, most lactating women who were sexually active used a contraceptive method; barrier methods were most frequently used. Black women and women of higher parity and lower educational level were more likely to be sexually active and not using a method.

Contraception during lactation: considerations in advising the individual and in formulating programme guidelines

Lactating women are at reduced risk of conception, but the individual woman may not wish to accept even a reduced level of risk. The risk increases when infant feeding supplementation begins and an alternative form of contraception is then required for the lactating mother. The relationship between lactation and fertility, trends in prolonged lactation, factors affecting these trends, and contraceptive use during lactation are reviewed. Suggestions for advising individuals and formulating programme guidelines are discussed.