Lactational failure--study of risk factors in Turkish mothers

Risk factors for lactational failure in puerperium were investigated. Sixty mothers with inadequate daily milk supply for their babies were the lactational failure group, and 60 mothers with similar age having babies with similar age and weight were chosen as the control group. Low prolactin levels, low serum iron and low serum ferritin levels and low aldosterone values and birth in community hospitals were associated with significantly increased risk of deficient lactation. High income of the family, increase osmolality of breastmilk, high systolic blood pressure of the mother, birth by cesarean section were some of the variables that increased the risk that could not reach the level of significance. Prematurity of the baby was not among the risk factors if the gestational ages were more than 30 weeks. It is concluded that physicians awareness of the factors that may adversely effect the initiation and continuation of lactation is vital. Correcting iron deficiency even if it is not overt, sparing more time for the mothers discussing the benefits of breastmilk to their babies, and avoiding cesarean section if possible may help increase the incidence of breastmilk feeding.