In a message dated 1/15/1 4:14:19 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< I think I read somewhere that women on a high protein diet and/or plumper
women (that's me!) tend to be more fertile sooner after childbirth. Has
anyone else heard that or have references? >>

It is not high protein per se, but rather high amounts of animal protein that
is associated with early return of menses. I remember reading an article many
years ago which said that women with more body fat see an earlier return of
menses, due to higher levels of estrogen released into the mother's body
while nursing than in mothers with less body fat. Since I read that article,
I have noticed which of my friends or clients have experienced this. All of
the women I have known of (w/ early return of menses in spite of no
artificial nipples, co-sleeping, frequent nipple stimulation, etc) did eat a
high animal protein diet and/or have higher amounts of body fat.
    This would also make sense in a broader sense, since LAM would support
survival of mothers and children in gatherer/hunter societies, in which women
would have been unlikely to have extra body fat. Only in times of abundant
food supplies would there be an opportunity for women to add body fat and
these times would also be safer to bear more children.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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