Low-dose progestogen contraception and the nursing mother

Abstract

Breast feeding, though an important and efficient contraceptive method, suffers from one major limitation: the contraceptive protection it offers the nursing mother ends abruptly without giving any physical indication of the return of fertility. Barrier methods and progesterone-only hormonal contraceptives, either in the oral, implant or injectable form, appear to be the primary contraceptive alternative for the nursing mother today. They neither adversely affect lactation, nor does the minute quantity of progesterone (NET or LNG) transferred to the infant affect its growth and physical well-being. Puerperal insertion of IUD carries an inherent risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, high expulsion rates and menorrhagia, once menses resume. Combination contraceptives affect both the quality and quantity of breastmilk; hence they are not recommended. Sterilization is a permanent method and therefore useful only when the family has been completed.