Effect of epidural vs. general anesthesia on breastfeeding

In a prospective interview study, two groups each consisting of 28 sectio caesarea patients were compared concerning the course of breastfeeding. The women in the two groups were delivered under either epidural analgesia or general anesthesia. The two groups were identical with respect to age, parity, participation in antenatal preparatory courses and former breastfeeding. A significantly higher breastfeeding frequency and longer breastfeeding periods were were found after epidural analgesia than after general anesthesia.