Title: Comportamiento reproductivo postparto :
Authors: García-Santamaría, Cathalina.; Gómez, Víctor M.; Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social.
Date: 1994
Publisher: Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social, Departamiento de Medicina Preventiva,
Physical description: vii, 41 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Language: Spanish
LC classification: R
Abstract: Data from Costa Rica's 1993 National Survey of Reproductive Health are the basis for this study of patterns of breast feeding, amenorrhea, postpartum sexual abstinence, and resumption of contraceptive usage. A life table analysis based on all cases in the study provides information on changes over the five years preceding the study. 90.2% of the 2553 most recent pregnancies reported by the sample women resulted in live born children who were breast fed. 9.0% were not breast fed and 0.7% died. 70% of infants were still breast fed at four months. The median duration of breast feeding was 6.6 months for all women and 5.3 months for economically active women. No differences in the proportions breast fed of practical significance were observed between different groups of mothers, but single mothers, first-time mothers, and the less educated were somewhat less likely to initiate breast feeding. 18% of infants received cow's milk in their first month of life and half did so before four months. Around two-thirds received juice or other liquids before completing four months. 75% received purees and other solids by the fifth month. With a relatively brief period of lactation and frequent supplementation, the period of amenorrhea is also brief. The median duration of amenorrhea was 2.6 months, with few differences between different socioeconomic groups. The median duration of postpartum abstinence was 2.2 months. An analysis of changes over the five years preceding the survey suggests that campaigns to increase breast feeding have had limited impact. The brief period of postpartum abstinence appears to be associated with early resumption of contraception. Half the women resumed contraception within two and one half months of birth, with few variations since 1987. But after one year, 96% of mothers had resumed sexual activity but only 79% were using contraception.
Subject headings (LCSH): Birth control--Costa Rica.; Fertility, Human--Costa Rica.; Puerperium.; Women--Health and hygiene--Costa Rica.