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Elective cesarean delivery: does it have a negative effect on breastfeeding?
Vincenzo Zanardo1, Giorgia Svegliado, Francesco Cavallin
1Department of Pediatrics, Padua University School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani, 3 35128 Padua, Italy.
Birth (Berkeley, Calif.)
|November 19, 2010
Summary
Cesarean delivery, both elective and emergency, significantly reduces breastfeeding initiation and rates compared to vaginal birth. Mothers who deliver vaginally breastfeed sooner and more frequently, highlighting delivery method impacts on infant feeding practices.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Care
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Cesarean delivery is associated with negative impacts on breastfeeding initiation and duration.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for supporting maternal-infant bonding and infant nutrition.
- World Health Organization guidelines define breastfeeding rates for standardized evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare breastfeeding rates up to 6 months postpartum.
- To assess rates in infants born via elective cesarean, emergency cesarean, and vaginal delivery.
- To identify differences in breastfeeding patterns based on delivery mode.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 2,137 term infants delivered at a tertiary center.
- Delivery modes analyzed: vaginal (n=1,496), elective cesarean (n=398), and emergency cesarean (n=279).
- Breastfeeding patterns assessed from delivery room through 6 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding in the delivery room was significantly higher for vaginal births (71.5%) versus cesarean births (3.5%).
- Time to first breastfeeding was longer for cesarean-born infants (10.4 hours) compared to vaginally born (3.1 hours).
- Vaginal delivery showed higher breastfeeding rates at discharge and follow-up (7 days, 3, and 6 months) compared to elective cesarean.
Conclusions:
- Both elective and emergency cesarean deliveries are linked to lower exclusive breastfeeding rates than vaginal delivery.
- Difficulty breastfeeding comfortably in the delivery room and postpartum period likely explains lower rates after cesarean.
- Delivery mode significantly influences early breastfeeding success and sustained practices.
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