Breastfeeding and contraceptive patterns postpartum: a study in South Lebanon.

ABSTRACT

PIP An 18 month follow-up of the breastfeeding and postpartum contraceptive use patterns of 253 women in south Lebanon served by a community-based family planning services program has suggested an independent negative relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and the pattern of starting contraception postpartum. Moreover, it has revealed a pattern of contraceptive use involving periodic switching between the pill and withdrawal. This switching pattern was shown to be mainly due to a preference among the women for using the pill combined with a low tolerance for its side effects. Contraceptive use patterns influenced women's ability to achieve their fertility desires, with 99 pregnancies occurring during the study period, 79 of which were not desired. The results of the study emphasize the importance of a user-oriented approach in community-based family planning services programs, with a wider base of services and more individualized contacts with the women being served.^ieng