| Abstract: | After briefly describing the mechanisms of lactation and of oral contraception and the composition and chemical structure of the drugs used, the possible effects of oral contraceptive treatment during breast-feeding on the nutritional value of the milk and the duration of lactation, as well as on the child fed by the milk, are considered. The available information is limited and it is difficult to extrapolate findings from animal tests to determine possible effects on man, but, on the basis of animal studies and observation of human subjects, it is recommended that extreme caution be ued in the use of oral contraceptives during breast-feeding and, if possible, the selection of other contraceptive methods. It is pointed out that the amount of drugs that passes into the milk constitutes a relatively high therapeutic dose for a child weighing 3-4 kg and consuming 600 ml to 1l of milk daily for prolonged periods. |
