Cesarean Delivery and Breastfeeding Outcomes

Abstract

Breastfeeding outcomes of 121 primiparas enrolled in a larger study were examined to determine the impact of cesarean delivery on time of first breastfeeding. Mothers giving birth by cesarean had a later first breastfeeding and expressed less satisfaction with the birth experience than did those who delivered vaginally. No relationships were found between delivery type and duration of breastfeeding or pain or fatigue related to breastfeeding. Time of first breastfeeding was not related to breastfeeding duration. Although some investigators have reported that mothers who have cesarean deliveries or delayed first feeding are less successful at breastfeeding, the high level of commitment to breastfeeding in this sample may have overcome the effect of perinatal events.