Breast feeding in cesarean babies
Datta, T.
Indian Pediatrics 27(1): 86-87
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 2361749 Document Number: 374864
This study of breastfeeding in cesarean babies disproved that cesarean delivery usually leads to lactational failure and unsuccessful nursing of the newborn. 18 mothers between the ages of 20 and 30 delivering by cesarean section in hospitals and 32 mothers in nursing homes were questioned. 3 mothers were PhD's, 7 MA's, 30 graduates, and the rest pass SF. Breastfeeding practices were learned prenatally from the medical staff:, and of those, 21 from self reading and 6 from experienced ladies. The distribution of baby contact after birth was as follows: of the hospital deliveries, 2 roomed in within 24 hours, 14 within 24-48 hours, and 2 after 48 hours; and of nursing home deliveries, 25 within 24-48 hours, and 7 after 48 hours. Only 2 babies did not receive prelacteal feeds. 14 hospital babies and 10 nursing home babies received 5% glucose water and the remaining, tinned milk. Although most complained of discomfort, only 5 were unable, for unexplained reasons, to breastfeed; the rest continued without difficulty at home. Pediatricians and nurses continued the support initiated by the obstetrician. The authors find that knowledge of breastfeeding practices, and motivation are significant factors in successful breastfeeding after C-section. Breast care and antenatal encouragement and advice contribute to the success, with the attending doctor providing a strong influence. Although early rooming in promotes a better lactation, the delays for as long as 5 days did not contribute to failure. Prelacteal feeding also was not found to impair the success.