Breastfeeding and Oral Contraceptives: a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Summary
Objectives To clarify the relationship between postpartum (2 weeks) use of progestin-only vs. combined oral contraceptive pills and the outcomes of breastfeeding continuation, infant growth, contraceptive method continuation, and pregnancy rates in breastfeeding women. Specific research questions: 1. To determine whether there is a difference in rates of breastfeeding continuation at 2 months and 4 months between postpartum breastfeeding women using progestin-only pills vs. combined pills. 2. To determine whether there is a difference in infant growth at 2 weeks and 8 weeks between postpartum breastfeeding women using progestin-only pills vs. combined pills. 3. To determine whether there is a difference in birth control method continuation at 2 months and 4 months between postpartum breastfeeding women using progestin-only pills vs. combined pills. Hypothesis Combined oral contraceptive pills, when initiated by postpartum breastfeeding women, will cause a differential in continuation of breastfeeding: 35% continuation in the combined pill group vs. 60% in the progestin-only pill group at 8 weeks.
Timeline
- Start
- 2005-01
- Primary completion
- 2008-06
- Completion
- 2008-06
Drugs
| Evaluation | Drug | Modality | Dose | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparator | Norethindrone | Unknown | 0.35 mg | Oral |
| Comparator | Norethindrone | Unknown | 1 mg | Oral |
| Comparator | ethinyl estradiol | Small molecule | 0.035 mg | Oral |
Indications
No indication recorded.