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L Series
Series L, Number 14
Issues in World Health

Better Breastfeeding, Healthier Lives

How programs and providers can help women improve breastfeeding practices

CONTENTS

Home (Key Points)

Breastfeeding Gains and Goals
Table 1. Breastfeeding Practices Improving
Web Table 1. Early Initiation of Breastfeeding Over Time
Web Table 2. Exclusive Breastfeeding Over Time
Web Table 3. Breastfeeding at Two Years
Table 2. Breastfeeding Common but Not Usually Optimal
Web Figure 1. Most Infants Breastfed Initially
Web Figure 2. Levels of Breastfeeding Vary Widely

Comprehensive Strategies Needed

Spotlight: Madagascar’s Comprehensive Approach Improves Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Increases Women’s Contraceptive Options
Table 3. When Breastfeeding Mothers Can Begin a Family Planning Method After Childbirth Compared with Mothers Not Breastfeeding

Centerspread: Breastfeeding Is Best
Figure 1. Better Breastfeeding Reduces Diarrhea

Women with HIV Face Crucial Breastfeeding Decisions
Figure 2. Estimated Risk of HIV Infection in Infants and Young Children

Bibliography

Credits

From INFO's Toolbox
• Counseling Aid: When Can a Woman Use LAM?
• Counseling Aid: HIV and Infant Feeding Counseling Flow Chart

Quick Look
• Box: Taking Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
• Table: When Breastfeeding Mothers Can Begin a Family Planning Method

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on Breastfeeding "A Guide for Providers"
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From INFO's ToolboxCounseling Aid: When Can a Woman Use LAM?

A breastfeeding woman can use LAM to space her next birth and as a transition to another contraceptive method. She may start LAM at any time if she meets all three criteria required for using the method.

When Can a Woman Use LAM?

…she can use LAM. There is only a 2% chance of pregnancy at this time. A woman may choose another family planning method at any time—but preferably not a method with estrogen if her baby is less than six months old. Methods with estrogen include combined oral contraceptives and combined injectables.

  

…her chances of pregnancy increase. Advise her to begin using another family planning method, preferably one without estrogen, and to continue breastfeeding for the child’s health.

Source: Adapted from Institute of Reproductive Health 1992 (98)

Illustration: Rafael Avila/JHU CCP

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Government or The Johns Hopkins University.