Western Obstetrics is pleased to share that our own Dr. Stuart Prosser (GPO) and Sharon L. Perrella (Lactation Consultant) contributed to this important research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health on 3 March 2024. The study explores the real-world experiences of Australian women establishing breastfeeding after a caesarean birth—insights that are vital for improving care.
Why this research matters
Breastfeeding exclusivity and duration tend to be lower following caesarean birth, but the reasons aren’t always clear. This study aims to shine a light on barriers and helpful factors identified by women themselves, a critical step for improving support during recovery from surgical birth.
How the study worked
Researchers used an anonymous online survey to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 961 Australian women who gave birth via caesarean in the previous year. The survey included questions about breastfeeding initiation, skin-to-skin contact, formula use, perceptions of clinical care, physical experience, and emotional support.
Who responded?
- 961 women participated
- Average age: 33 years (± 6.2)
- 50% were first-time mothers (primiparous)
- Types of caesarean: 42.9% non-elective, 39.5% elective for medical reasons, 17.6% elective by maternal request
What did they say?
- Breastfeeding initiation
- 70.2% began breastfeeding within the first hour after birth
- 80.2% continued breastfeeding during their postnatal ward stay
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Fewer than half reported having skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding initiation
- Barriers to breastfeeding
- Pain and reduced mobility
- Rushed or conflicting clinical care
- Negative birth experiences, particularly among those who had non-elective caesareans
- Risks associated with non-elective caesarean
- Women were half as likely to initiate breastfeeding early (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36–0.68; p ≤ 0.001)
- They were 10 times more likely to report a negative birth experience (OR = 10.2; 95% CI: 6.88–15.43; p < 0.001)
- Increased formula use
- More common among first-time mothers (OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.60–2.91; p < 0.001)
- And among those birthing in private hospitals (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.25–2.32; p = 0.001)
- Helpful factors
- Unrushed, supportive care
- Partner support and physical help with lifting or positioning the baby
Overall takeaway
Women recovering from caesarean births face specific challenges—including pain, limited mobility, inconsistent care, and higher formula use—but also benefit significantly from slow-paced, empathetic clinical care and partner support. These findings highlight the need for improved care models tailored to the early breastfeeding journey after surgical birth.
The full publication is available here:
Read the article on PubMed