| Abstract: | A comparative study was conducted on nursing mothers using various contraceptives: 120 used Norplant; 117 used the progestogen-only pill (Lynestrenol, 0.5 mg daily); 187 used the progesterone vaginal ring; and 122 used the copper IUD. The contraceptives were begun at 57 days postpartum; those using the pill or vaginal ring were advised to change methods after weaning. The 256 controls were women with similar characteristics who used lactational infertility. Follow-up visits at maternal and child health clinics occurred frequently; mother and child were examined, and histories included feeding and bleeding patterns, and any symptom or side-effect. Supplementary feeding began after 6 months. Only 2 pregnancies occurred (in the pill group) in the women using contraceptive methods; 48 of the control group became pregnant at the end of the year. 26 women gave up their vaginal rings because of use-related problems. More than 50% of the contraception group bled in the first month; 26% of controls did. Women in the progesterone group had 1-5 months more amenorrhea than controls and those with the copper IUD. There were few cases of prolonged bleeding. |
