Aug 23 min read

Common Birth Interventions That Can Impact Breastfeeding

Did you know that interventions during your birth can affect your breastfeeding journey? An intervention i

I understand this topic can be difficult topic to talk about, so if this is true for you, please take these messages with you as you move forward:

You CAN receive these interventions and still have a positive, easeful breastfeeding journey.
Your birth story & your breastfeeding/infant feeding story do not determine your worth as a person or as a mother.

The intention of sharing this information is to offer critical thinking about common interventions and how they impact breastfeeding, especially on behalf of the mothers and babies that WERE impacted negatively by certain events during their birth and early postpartum period. It is not a critique of interventions being used appropriately and with consent.

Pitocin / Syntocinon for Induction or Augmentation of Labor

Is a form of synthetic oxytocin, often given to start or speed up labor, but also routinely given as an intramuscular injection after birth without communication.
Pitocin binds to oxytocin receptors, inhibiting production of endogenous oxytocin. Unlike the body's natural oxytocin, Pitocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier, and does not give the same pain-relieving and dull feelings of elation, joy, love and bonding.

Active Management of the 3rd Stage of Labor

Traction on the umbilical cord can increase risk of postpartum hemorrhage, leading to blood loss and potentially more severe intervention such as surgery to stop the bleeding or hysterectomy. Medications used to treat hemorrhage may interfere with breastmilk production.
Pitocin can impede production of endogenous oxytocin, as stated above.

Cesarean Section

Is commonly followed by respiratory support for baby, and a recovery period for mom before breastfeeding and skin to skin is initiated. This can surpass the typical period of the natural "golden hour" where hormones are high and mamababy are highly alert.
Postpartum/Post-op, mom and baby may feel extra fatigued after birth and need additional support. Mom may also feel extremely tender to the abdominal incision when holding or nursing baby, potentially deterring her from wanting to breastfeed on demand.

Epidurals, Narcotics, and General Anesthesia

Can cause sleepiness in mom and baby; mom will not breastfeed until recovered from general anesthesia
Can lead to complications that foster prolonged separation at birth, such as respiratory support for the baby

Other

Demeanor of care and communication of staff during the birth process may result in birth trauma that results in dissociation from the body, impairs sense of self worth and diminishes confidence or determination.
Many women have reported that their nurses in the hospital gave their babies formula without permission, or without consulting the mother first. This happens for a variety of reasons, but can also impact early breastfeeding.
Hospitals keep formula on hand and send all (give or take) parents home with formula regardless of their breastfeeding choices. If the mother already does not have a strong drive to breastfeed or feels defeated after her birth she may be more inclined to continue using the formula.

It's World Breastfeeding Week!

This year, we are celebrating world breastfeeding week by highlighting real stories that tell of the impact breastfeeding can have on helping women heal after a difficult or traumatic birth experience.

If you would like to share your story to be featured on the Healing Birth Blog, simply fill out the contact form below and send us a photo you'd like to feature with your story.

We love to hear from you and cannot wait to hear all about the gifts your breastfeeding journey has given you and your baby (or even other babies!)

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