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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


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