Breastfeeding Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Breastfeeding, including details on breast feeding benefits, problems, alcohol, diet.

Impact of birthing practices on the breastfeeding dyad.

Smith LJ

Bright Future Lactation Resource Center in Dayton, OH 45459, USA. lindaj@bflrc.com

For breastfeeding to start and continue, the newborn must be able to suck, swallow, and breathe; the mother must be able and willing to let her infant breastfeed; and surroundings must support the biological unit: the mother-baby dyad. This article reviews how birth practices, including epidural anesthesia, cesarean surgery, forceps, and vacuum extraction, can affect the newborn's ability to feed, the mother's motivation and lactation capacity, and the mother-baby relationship.

Published 6 November 2007 in J Midwifery Womens Health, 52(6): 621-30.
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