Women who choose to have epidurals during labor are more likely to have problems when it comes to breastfeeding, according to a new study appearing in the International Breastfeeding Journal. The Australian study focused on 1,280 women who had given birth within an eight-month period. The researchers identified 416 women who had an epidural, and another 172 who had a caesarean section. The researchers found that women who had an epidural had a higher incidence of problems with breastfeeding within the first week, and were twice as likely to give up breastfeeding altogether within 6 months.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests epidurals are often linked with breastfeeding problems, according to the University of Sydney's Siranda Torvaldsen.
Supporting commentary appearing alongside Torvaldsen's study says that with these findings come extra responsibilities for health professionals. Sue Jordan, senior lecturer in applied therapeutics, has called for: "Extra support to be offered to the most vulnerable women, to ensure that their infants are not disadvantaged by this hidden, but far-reaching, adverse drug reaction."
Source: BioMed Central
