Breastfeeding education and support needs for women after a cesarean delivery or epidural anesthesia

<p>Cesarean delivery and epidural anesthesia may require specific education and interventions for breastfeeding success. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and duration and explore specific breastfeeding needs for women who have had a Cesarean delivery or epidural anesthesia. Sixteen postpartum women aged 27 to 41 were recruited through a Lamaze center in Michigan. The women were interviewed with a questionnaire exploring their breastfeeding experiences and support needs after delivery, and use of artificial infant milk. All women initiated breastfeeding; 81% (n=13) breastfed their infant for at least 12 months. Cesarean delivery was associated with specialized breastfeeding needs, but epidural anesthesia by itself was not. Eighty-two percent (n=9) of infants born via Cesarean delivery received artificial infant milk, while only one of the women who had epidural anesthesia gave her infant artificial infant milk. Women who have Cesarean deliveries may require additional breastfeeding interventions.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Petzoldt-Hansell, Joy

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alice Jo Rainville
• Judi Brooks
• Debby Busick

• Breastfeeding
• Cesarean Delivery
• education
• Epidural Anesthesia
• success
• support
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/861

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2239