Effect of duration and frequency of breast-feeding on postpartum amenorrhea.

The relationship among duration and frequency of breast-feeding, age, level of education, and parity on postpartum amenorrhea were investigated retrospectively in selected married Nigerian women attending the two local maternity centers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between January and May 1980. The mean values for duration and frequency of breast-feeding per day were 16.48 +/- 5.43 (SD) months and 4.43 +/- 1.46 (SD), respectively. The mean length of postpartum amenorrhea was 12.54 +/- 6.97 (SD) months. Duration and frequency of breast-feeding were positively related to length of postpartum amenorrhea, whereas parity and years of maternal education were negatively related to it. Duration and frequency of breast-feeding were statistically significant (P less then .05), whereas maternal level of education, parity, and age were not. The implications of the findings for pediatricians and other health workers who may wish to promote breast-feeding among their nursing clients are highlighted.