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Postpartum amenorrhoea and breast-feeding in a Danish sample

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Vibeke Vestermark ,
Claus K. Høgdall ,
Grete Plenov  and
Mikael Birch
Vibeke Vestermark
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Claus K. Høgdall
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Grete Plenov
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
Mikael Birch
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
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Summary

The duration of postpartum amenorrhoea was studied in a danish sample of 361 women. The median duration of amenorrhoea was 17 weeks. The 25th and 75th percentiles were 10 and 30 weeks, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the duration of postpartum amenorrhoea and of breast-feeding. However, loctation for more than 9 months did not extend the duration of amenorrhoea. Menstruation before weaning occurred in 57% of the women, and 43% terminated breast-feeding before the first menstruation. Four weeks after weaning menstruation had returned in 79% and by 8 weeks after in 93% of the mothers. At 6 months postpartum, frequency of breast-feeding, and of night-time feeding were determinants of amenorrhoea.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , January 1994 , pp. 1 - 7
Copyright
Copyright © 1994, Cambridge University Press

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