Intrapartum synthetic oxytocin and breastfeeding: a retrospective cohort study

AbstractNon-pulsatile oxytocin given during labour can negatively affect breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to assess whether intrapartum oxytocin administration has any effect on breastfeeding. Secondly, to assess whether some maternal or neonatal variables influence breastfeeding. A retrospective cohort study was done, comparing two groups: women exposed (n = 101) and not exposed to oxytocin (n = 100) during labour. Women with caesarean section, vacuum extraction/forceps, twin pregnancy, breech presentation, premature neonates and with an Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes were excluded. Duration of breastfeeding was evaluated by a phone call interview. A regression analysis was done, evaluating possible confounding factors. The use of oxytocin during labour was demonstrated to be a predictor of impaired first hour breastfeeding (OR =2.493, CI: 1.05–5.92; p = .038). At three months’ postpartum, 26.7% women in the exposed group versus 14% in the non-exposed group were not breastfeeding (p = .035). This re...