The Interrelationship Between Repeat Cesarean Section, Smoking Status, and Breastfeeding Duration

The rate of breastfeeding duration is staggeringly low with only one-quarter of infants in the United States being exclusively breastfed at 6 months. Maternal smoking and mode of delivery have been identified as independent risk factors for shorter breastfeeding duration. This study aims to evaluate the effect of repeat cesarean delivery on breastfeeding duration, taking into account smoking status.

Data from the U.S. population-based Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey, 2004-2011, were analyzed. Women who delivered a live singleton baby, had a previous birth through cesarean delivery, and provided mode of delivery and breastfeeding information were included in the analysis. Multinomial logistic regression models provided crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All models were stratified by smoking status.

Among smokers, women who had repeat cesarean section had a 2-fold higher odds of never breastfeeding (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.38-4.29) and a 4-fold higher odds of breastfeeding 8 weeks or less (AOR = 4.11, 95% CI = 2.08-8.11) compared with women who gave birth vaginally after cesarean section. Among nonsmokers, the odds of never breastfeeding and breastfeeding 8 weeks or less were 2.4 times (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.84-3.03) and 1.4 times (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.15-1.80) higher in women who had repeat cesarean section compared with women who had vaginal birth after cesarean section, respectively.

Among women who smoke during pregnancy, the results suggest that repeat cesarean delivery negatively affects breastfeeding duration. Interventions are needed for mothers who smoke during pregnancy and undergo repeat cesarean delivery.