This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Riordan, J. Articles by Melin, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Riordan, J. Articles by Melin, J. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

The Effect of Labor Pain Relief Medication on Neonatal Suckling and Breastfeeding Duration

School of Nursing, Wichita State University, 1845 N. Fairmount, Box 41, Wichita, KS 67260-0041.

Aimee Gross, RN, MSN

St. Francis Hospital, Topeka, KS.

Judy Angeron, RN, BA

Via Christi Health Systems, Wichita, KS.

Becky Krumwiede, RN

Appleton Medical Center, Appleton, WI.

Jeri Melin, RN, BSN

Via Christi Health Systems, Wichita, KS.

We examined the relationship of labor pain relief medications with neonatal suckling and breastfeeding duration in 129 mothers delivering vaginally. Suckling was measured using the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT). Controlling for infant age, birthweight, and gender, infants of unmedicated mothers had higher IBFAT suckling scores than those of medicated mothers (x = 11.1 vs. x = 8.2 respectively, P=.001). IBFAT suckling scores for intravenous and epidural groups were similar (x = 8.5) while those who received a combination of both intravenous and epidural medications were lower (x = 6.4 ± 2.96, P=.001). Mothers evaluated their breastfeeds similarly to nurse evaluators (Z = 9.39, P=.001). Breastfeeding duration did not differ between unmedicated and medicated groups; however, dyads with low IBFAT scores weaned earlier than those with medium or high scores. Labor pain relief medications diminish early suckling but are not associated with duration of breastfeeding through 6 weeks postpartum.

Key Words: epidurals • intravenous • breastfeeding • labor • childbirth • pain relief

Journal of Human Lactation, Vol. 16, No. 1, 7-12 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/089033440001600103


CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				P. J. Martens and L. Romphf Factors Associated With Newborn In-Hospital Weight Loss: Comparisons by Feeding Method, Demographics, and Birthing Procedures J Hum Lact, August 1, 2007; 23(3): 233 - 241. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. J. Clifford, M. K. Campbell, K. N. Speechley, and F. Gorodzinsky Factors Influencing Full Breastfeeding in a Southwestern Ontario Community: Assessments at 1 Week and at 6 Months Postpartum J Hum Lact, August 1, 2006; 22(3): 292 - 304. [Abstract] [PDF]

				G. K. Al Tajir, H. Sulieman, and P. Badrinath Intragroup Differences in Risk Factors for Breastfeeding Outcomes in a Multicultural Community J Hum Lact, February 1, 2006; 22(1): 39 - 47. [Abstract] [PDF]

				Z. M. Chang and M. I. Heaman Epidural Analgesia During Labor and Delivery: Effects on the Initiation and Continuation of Effective Breastfeeding J Hum Lact, August 1, 2005; 21(3): 305 - 314. [Abstract] [PDF]

				K. G. Dewey, L. A. Nommsen-Rivers, M. J. Heinig, and R. J. Cohen Risk Factors for Suboptimal Infant Breastfeeding Behavior, Delayed Onset of Lactation, and Excess Neonatal Weight Loss Pediatrics, September 1, 2003; 112(3): 607 - 619. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. J. Baumgarder, P. Muehl, M. Fischer, and B. Pribbenow Effect of Labor Epidural Anesthesia on Breast-feeding of Healthy Full-term Newborns Delivered Vaginally J Am Board Fam Med, January 1, 2003; 16(1): 7 - 13. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. Camann, S. Pillai, C. Catellani, and R. A. Lawrence A Woman Experiencing Difficulty With Breastfeeding JAMA, March 28, 2001; 285(12): 1575 - 1576. [Full Text] [PDF]