Influence of epidural labor analgesia on the initial time of lactation

Objective To discuss the influence of epidural labor analgesia on the initial time of lactation. Methods From August 2015 to February 2016, a total of 155 puerperas were enrolled in the study, which were divided into labor analgesia group and non-intervention group. Self-made questionnaire was used to collect the general information of puerperas and neonates and breastfeeding data. Peripheral vein blood of puerperas was sampled to detect the serum levels of prolactin and oxytocin at three points in time (3-4 cm of cervical dilatation, 1 h after fetal delivery and 12 h after delivery). Results The serum level of oxytocin in labor analgesia group was lower than that in non-intervention group at 1 h after fetal delivery (P<0.01). Compared with non-intervention group, the initial time of lactation in labor analgesia group was delayed by 5-6 h (P<0.05). The frequency and amount of formula milk feeding in labor analgesia group were more than those in non-intervention group (P<0.05). Conclusions Epidural labor analgesia delays the initial time of lactation. Key words: Breastfeeding; Epidural analgesia; Labor analgesia