Women's satisfaction in early versus delayed postcaesarean feeding: A one-blind randomized controlled trial study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Surgical Recovery
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Postoperative feeding protocols after caesarean section (C-section) remain a subject of debate.
• Evaluating early versus delayed oral feeding is crucial for managing gastrointestinal complications and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of early postoperative oral feeding compared to delayed feeding after caesarean section.
• To investigate the impact on gastrointestinal recovery and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 200 women undergoing planned C-sections.
• Participants were divided into an early feeding group (starting 2 hours post-op) and a delayed feeding group (starting 8 hours post-op).
• Outcomes measured included time to first flatus, first defecation, tolerance, regular diet initiation, hospital stay, and patient satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Main Results:

• The mean time to first flatus was significantly shorter in the early feeding group (10.2 hours) compared to the delayed group (10.7 hours) (P=0.03).
• No significant differences were observed between groups regarding the time to first defecation, length of hospital stay, or patient satisfaction levels.

Conclusions:

• Early post-caesarean feeding is well-tolerated and recommended.
• Initiating oral intake sooner after C-section aids in the return to normal feeding patterns.