Influence of levonorgestrel contraceptive implants, NORPLANT, initiated early postpartum upon lactation and infant growth

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of use of levonorgestrel contraceptive implants, NORPLANT, by breastfeeding mothers on lactational performance and infant growth. NORPLANT implants were inserted between days 30 and 42 postpartum in 50 lactating women. Two control groups of breastfeeding mothers, 50 each, were studied in parallel: the first used an intrauterine device (Cu T380-Ag) and the second used either barrier or no contraception. There was no difference in lactational performance among the three groups. The increments in infant weight and height in the three groups were within the normal range for Egyptian infants. However, the rates of weight and height gain in the early postpartum months were slightly, but significantly, lower in the NORPLANT group than in the two control groups. However, by the sixth postpartum month, there were no significant group differences in these growth parameters. The possible confusing effect of supplementary feeding is discussed.

PIP: This study investigates the effect of using the levonorgestrel contraceptive implant, NORPLANT, by breastfeeding mothers on lactation and infant growth. NORPLANT implants were inserted between days 30 and 42 postpartum in 50 lactating women. 2 control groups of breastfeeding mothers, 50 each, were studied in parallel: the 1st used an intrauterine device (Cu T380-Ag) and the 2nd used either barriers or no contraception. There was no difference in lactational performance among the 3 groups. The increments in infant weight and height in the 3 groups were within the normal range for Egyptian infants. However, the rates of weight and height gain in the early postpartum months were slightly, but significantly, lower in the NORPLANT group than in the 2 control groups. However, by the 6th postpartum month, there were no significant group differences in these growth parameters. The possible confusing effect of supplementary feeding is discussed.