Spinal anesthesia for pain relief can be difficult to breastfeed

Researchers at the University of Sydney (Australia) have just reached this conclusion after analyzing medical records of 1,280 women.

According to an analysis of researchers, mothers who used spinal anesthesia to reduce labor were at risk of having difficulty breastfeeding during the first few days after birth. They also have a higher risk of stopping breastfeeding for the first six months than others.

Dr. Siranda Torvaldsen led the study, explaining that some of the substances contained in anesthesia can cause a drowsiness in the baby. This transient condition can make it difficult for your baby to breastfeed in the first few days after birth.

'In this group of 1,280 women, there are those who rarely breastfeed in the first week of spinal anesthesia to relieve labor pain ,' Dr. Torvaldsen said.

Most women (93%) breastfeed during the first week. The study also revealed that 72% of women give birth during the first six months of life compared to 53% of other mothers.