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Abstract
An interdisciplinary international group of researchers in the area of lactational
infertility gathered with the purpose of coming to a consensus about the conditions
under which breastfeeding can be used as a safe and effective method of family planning.
The consensus of the group was that the maximum birth spacing effect of breastfeeding
is achieved when a mother “fully” or nearly fully breastfeeds and remains amenorrheic.
When these two conditions are fulfilled, breastfeeding provides more than 98% protection
from pregnancy in the first six months. Data are reviewed from thirteen prospective
studies in both developed and developing countries supporting the consensus. The rationale
for the consensus is given in detail. Recommendations are made based on what is currently
known of the antifertility effects of breastfeeding. Research should continue to measure
a broad spectrum of variables so that these guidelines can be refined as new information
becomes available.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 23,
1989
Received:
January 4,
1989
Bellagio, Italy August 1988 for The Bellagio Consensus Conference on Lactational InfertilityIdentification
Copyright
© 1989 Published by Elsevier Inc.