Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD, MS reviewing Braga GC et al. Contraception 2015 Dec.

Placement of subdermal contraceptive implants immediately postpartum did not compromise breast milk intake by newborns.

Although subdermal contraceptive implants are more effective than tubal ligation, they are less commonly chosen by postpartum women. To assess the effect on milk production of subdermal contraception placed within 48 hours of delivery, Brazilian researchers randomized 24 mothers who had previously breast-fed to subdermal implants or no hormonal contraception for the first 6 weeks after delivery. All participating mothers ingested 5 grams of “heavy water” (deuterium oxide, D2O) within 48 hours of delivery and another 10 grams of D2O 1 month later. Infant salivary D2O levels were measured to determine the amount of milk infants ingested on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, and 14 after maternal D2O ingestion. In addition, participants completed questionnaires about infant feeding and infants were weighed.

No significant between-group differences were observed for neonatal weight gain or breast milk intake.

Citation(s):

Braga GC et al. Immediate postpartum initiation of etonogestrel-releasing implant: A randomized controlled trial on breastfeeding impact. Contraception 2015 Dec; 92:536.

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