Science News & Science Current Events
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print New study shows epidural during birth may negatively affect breastfeeding

New study shows epidural during birth may negatively affect breastfeeding

December 11, 2006

Epidurals given during labour and birth are associated with decreased rates of breastfeeding, both in the short and long term. A large study of Australian women, published today in the open access journal International Breastfeeding Journal - http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com - found that women who had epidurals during childbirth were more likely to have breastfeeding problems in the first week and to give up breastfeeding before six months, compared with women who had no analgesia.

Siranda Torvaldsen, from the University of Sydney, and colleagues from other institutions in Australia studied 1280 women who had given birth between March and October 1997 in the Australian Capital Territory. Of these women, 416 (33%) had an epidural during the birth of their baby, 172 (41%) of whom also had a caesarean section.




Torvaldsen et al.'s results show that although most (93%) women breastfed their baby in the first week, epidural anesthesia was significantly associated with difficulty breastfeeding in the few days after birth and with partial breastfeeding in the first week after delivery. In addition, the 416 women who had epidurals were twice as likely to completely stop breastfeeding before six months compared with women who used no analgesia, after controlling for maternal age and education. Seventy-two percent of women who had no analgesia were breastfeeding at 24 weeks compared with 53% who received pethidine or epidurals containing bupivacaine and fentanyl (an opioid).

The authors conclude that this study adds to the growing body of evidence that the fentanyl component of epidurals may be associated with difficulty establishing breastfeeding.

Sue Jordan, senior lecturer in applied therapeutics, Swansea University, in an accompanying commentary in the International Breastfeeding Journal regards the effect of opioids and epidurals on breastfeeding as an "adverse drug reaction". She calls for "extra support to be offered to the most vulnerable women, to ensure that their infants are not disadvantaged by this hidden, but far-reaching, adverse drug reaction".

BioMed Central



Related Breastfeeding Current Events and Breastfeeding News Articles Breastfeeding Current Events and Breastfeeding News RSS Breastfeeding Current Events and Breastfeeding News RSS
Society's lack of food allergies impacts those afflicted with food allergies
The level of knowledge and understanding of children with food allergies varies significantly across three key groups: pediatricians and family physicians, the general public and families who have a child with food allergies. The article describing the new findings was published in the September issue of BioMed Central Pediatrics.

New study indicates link between weight gains during pregnancy and dieting history
Women who have a history of dieting or other restricted eating practices are at risk of gaining an inappropriate amount of weight during pregnancy.

Community-based behavior change management cuts neonatal mortality in half
A community-based program that reinforces basic childbirth and newborn care practices can reduce a baby's risk of death within the first month of life by as much as 54 percent, according to a study in rural India led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in collaboration with CSM Medical University in Lucknow, India.

Eating fish while pregnant, longer breastfeeding, lead to better infant development
Both higher fish consumption and longer breastfeeding are linked to better physical and cognitive development in infants, according to a study of mothers and infants from Denmark. Maternal fish consumption and longer breastfeeding were independently beneficial.

Hospitals provide formula sample packs while medical organizations encourage breastfeeding
A majority of U.S. hospitals on the East coast distribute formula sample packs to new mothers, contrary to recommendations from most major medical organizations concerned about the potential for distributing these packs to reduce breastfeeding rates.

Codeine not safe for all breastfeeding moms and their babies
Using pain treatments which contain codeine may be risky for some breastfeeding mothers, according to researchers at The University of Western Ontario, and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.

New research suggests diabetes transmitted from parents to children
A new study in the September issue of the Journal of Lipid Research suggests an unusual form of inheritance may have a role in the rising rate of diabetes, especially in children and young adults, in the United States.

New breastfeeding study shows most moms quit early
While the CDC recently reported that more moms than ever give breastfeeding a try, a new national study shows most moms do not stick with it as long as they should.

Men and women may need different diets: research
Diet can strongly influence how long you live and your reproductive success, but now scientists have discovered that what works for males can be very different for females.

Child care factors associated with weight gain in infancy
Nine-month-old infants regularly cared for by someone other than a parent appear to have higher rates of unfavorable feeding practices and to weigh more than infants cared for only by parents, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
More Breastfeeding Current Events and Breastfeeding News Articles


The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book)
by La Leche League International

All parents want the best for their babies, and there’s no doubt about the fact that human milk is the ideal food for human babies. What’s the secret of successful breastfeeding? For almost fifty years mothers who have been in touch with La Leche League have found the kind of information and support they needed to breastfeed their babies. In this newly revised edition of The Womanly Art of...



The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition
by Kathleen Huggins

Breastfeeding may be natural, but it is not always instinctive. The 20th Anniversary Edition of this classic guide to breastfeeding, beloved by a generation of women, has been completely revised and updated to provide even more practical, reassuring advice and support for today's expectant and nursing mothers. Easy-reference survival guides help identify and resolve problems at each stage. An...



Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
by Nancy Mohrbacher, Kathleen Kendall-tackett

Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s not always easy. It is the biological norm, but it is not the cultural norm. By learning the seven basic principles in this book, mothers can dramatically increase their likelihood of success and make breastfeeding the enjoyable experience it should be. The seven laws taught in this book are easy for mothers to understand and are sure to help them avoid some...



The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America, Revised & Updated Edition
by Jack Md Newman, Teresa Pitman

An Amazing Resource for Nursing MomsAlthough breastfeeding is the natural and healthy way to nourish your baby, it’s not always easy. Many new mothers are scared away from nursing because of difficulty getting started and lack of information about what to do when things don’t go as planned. In this fully revised and updated edition of The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, two of...



The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning
by Martha Sears, William Sears

"How would you like to give your baby a gift that could raise his IQ by 10 points; cut medical bills; make your baby's eyes, heart, intestines, and nearly every other organ work better; reduce the risk of life-shortening, debilitating diseases, such as diabetes; and help your baby avoid many of the common complaints of infancy, such as ear infections, tummy upsets, even diaper rash? Whats the...



Eat Well, Lose Weight, While Breastfeeding: The Complete Nutrition Book for Nursing Mothers
by Eileen Behan

The new mom’s most trusted resource–now revised and updated to include the latest in nutrition and dietary concernsThis hands-on guide provides mothers with expert advice on losing weight and eating well, so you can feel good about your decision to nurse. Registered dietitian, professional nutritionist, and mother of two Eileen Behan shows you how to shed pounds safely and naturally while...



The Breastfeeding Answer Book
by Nancy Mohrbacher, Julie Stock

Revised and updated, the Breastfeeding Answer Book is the definitive resource for those who are dedicated to helping mothers breastfeed. Highlights of the third edition include new approaches to positioning and latch-on, information on the use of prescription and herbal medications to increase milk supply, new illustrations of breast structure and how the breast functions as reflected in...



The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding (American Academy of Pediatrics)
by American Academy Of Pediatrics, Joan Younger Md Meek, Sherill Tippins

The Breastfeeding Book Your Doctor RecommendsWhy is breastfeeding best for my baby? Will I like it? What if it hurts? What happens when my maternity leave is over? Will I be able to use a breast pump? How can I make this work?The American Academy of Pediatrics, the organization that represents the nation’s finest pediatricians, answers these questions and many more in this invaluable resource...



Study Guide for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Third Edition
by Mary-Margaret Coates

This study guide helps readers prepare for the IBCLE certication examination in...



The Everything Breastfeeding Book: Basic Techniques and Reassuring Advice Every New Mother Needs to Know (Everything Series)
by Suzanne Fredregill, Ray Fredregill

© 2008 BrightSurf.com