I would like to have this information, too!  The faculty here supervising
our residents recommend giving the depo prior to discharge for the very same
reasons Chris describes.  This physician is very up on research, and
practices what is recommended.  He says he will change his practice when a
good study shows that depo indeed reduces milk supply when given on the 1-3
postpartum day.  I have even given him the drug manufacturer's
recommendations to know avail.  It is my understanding that there is only
anectdotal evidence that depo reduces milk supply.  Any researchers looking
for a study?

Linda J. Tandy, MSN, RN, IBCLC

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Auer,Bsn,Ibclc [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2000 9:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: depo


Dear Ruthy,

Six years ago I contacted the manufacturers of Depo who told me that the
recommendation to wait until the milk supply is well established (6 wks) was
based on the fact that when they did their research they never investigated
the use of depo as early as 1-3 days pp, only after the 6 wk marker. I do
not
believe in the theory of lets give the poor woman protection right from the
starting gate. There is no data to suggest that a woman who is committed to
birthcontrol will not return for her 4 week check up to get it, or that
those
they give it to will more likely return in 3 months for the next shot.
Again
its risk benefit and the b/f takes a back seat. I would be great to have
someone look at this b/c when the residents ask me if it affects the milk
supply I can't point to hard data that it does. I have seen mothers dry up
in
the first 6 weeks of pumping for a premie and some who do quite well, both
of
whom who got the depo.  But I have never tracked it in a way to show
evidence
either way.

Warmly,
Chris

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