The use of oral contraceptive before pregnancy and breastfeeding duration: A cross-sectional study with retrospective ascertainment
2008

Impact of Oral Contraceptive Use Before Pregnancy on Breastfeeding Duration

Sample size: 575 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Soto-Ramírez Nelís, Karmaus Wilfried

Primary Institution: University of South Carolina

Hypothesis

Does the use of oral contraceptives before pregnancy affect the duration of breastfeeding?

Conclusion

Oral contraceptive use in the 12 months prior to conception may shorten breastfeeding duration.

Supporting Evidence

  • 40.4% of women reported using oral contraceptives in the 12 months before conception.
  • 81.4% of women initiated breastfeeding.
  • Median breastfeeding duration was shorter for women who used oral contraceptives.

Takeaway

Moms who took birth control pills before getting pregnant might breastfeed for a shorter time than those who didn't.

Methodology

The study used retrospective interviews to gather data on oral contraceptive use and breastfeeding duration from mothers of school children.

Potential Biases

Potential overrepresentation of women with higher education may skew results.

Limitations

Recall bias may affect the accuracy of reported contraceptive use and breastfeeding duration.

Participant Demographics

Participants were 663 women from Hesse, Central Germany, with a mean age of 27.3 years at delivery.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.03

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.03, 1.61

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4358-3-29

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication