Description of breastfeeding practices among poorer sections in Calcutta Metropolitan Area and its impact on postpartum infecundity

Abstract

• Descriptions of breastfeeding practices among residents in slum areas of Kolkata and the influence of breastfeeding on postpartum amenorrhoea is the focus of this study. • Three out of four women initiate breastfeeding after one hour of birth and three out of five women squeeze the first milk from the breast before breastfeeding. • Though the median duration of breastfeeding is long, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding is much shorter. • Breastfeeding during the first six months has a significant negative influence on the rate of return to menses. © 2002 SAGE Publications.