Effect of Duration and Frequency of Breast-Feeding on Postpartum Amenorrhea

[摘要] The relationships among duration and frequency of breast-feeding, age, level of education, and parity on postpartum amenorrhea were investigated retrospectively in selected married Nigerian women attending the two local maternity centers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between January and May 1980. The mean values for duration and frequency of breast-feeding per day were 16.48 ± 5.43 (SD) months and 4.43 ± 1.46 (SD), respectively. The mean length of postpartum amenorrhea was 12.54 ± 6.97 (SD) months. Duration and frequency of breast-feeding were positively related to length of postpartum amenorrhea, whereas parity and years of maternal education were negatively related to it. Duration and frequency of breast-feeding were statistically significant ( P < .05), whereas maternal level of education, parity, and age were not. The implications of the findings for pediatricians and other health workers who may wish to promote breast-feeding among their nursing clients are highlighted.

[学科分类] 儿科学