The effect of breastfeeding supplements on the return of fertility.

The effect of the time of introduction of supplements on the duration of lactation, lactational amenorrhea, and interpregnancy interval is investigated in 428 women belonging to an urban low income group in Hyderabad, India. The mean duration for which the infants were solely breastfed was 8.9 months; the durations of lactation, lactational amenorrhea, and interpregnancy interval were 21.4, 11.5, and 24.3 months respectively. Early introduction of supplements (before 6 months) was associated with shorter duration of lactation, lactational amenorrhea, and interpregnancy interval. Undue delay in the introduction of supplements (beyond 18 months) did not result in indefinite postponement of the return of menstruation.