We assessed the effect of different obstetric interventions and types of delivery
on breastfeeding.A quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out using an online
questionnaire. Data collection was performed in 2021 in Hungary. We included biological
mothers who had raised their at least 5-year-old child(ren) at home (N = 2,008). The
questionnaire was completed anonymously and voluntarily. In addition to sociodemographic
data (age, residence, marital status, education, occupation, income status, number
of biological children, and anthropometric questions about the child and the mother),
we asked about the interventions used during childbirth, and the different ways of
infant feeding used. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel 365
and SPSS 25.0. Descriptive statistics, two-sample t tests, χ2 tests and ANOVA were
used to analyse the relationship or differences between the variables (p < 0,05).We
found that in deliveries where synthetic oxytocin was used for both induction and
acceleration, there was a higher incidence of emergency cesarean section. However,
the occurrence of vaginal deliveries was significantly higher in cases where oxytocin
administration was solely for the purpose of accelerating labour (p < 0.001).Mothers
who received synthetic oxytocin also received analgesics (p < 0.001). Women giving
birth naturally who used oxytocin had a lower success of breastfeeding their newborn
in the delivery room (p < 0.001). Children of mothers who received obstetric analgesia
had a higher rate of complementary formula feeding (p < 0.001). Newborns born naturally
had a higher rate of breastfeeding in the delivery room (p < 0.001) and less formula
feeding in the hospital (p < 0.001). Infants who were breastfed in the delivery room
were breastfed for longer periods (p < 0.001). Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months
was longer for infants born naturally (p = 0.005), but there was no difference in
the length of breastfeeding (p = 0.081).Obstetric interventions may increase the need
for further interventions and have a negative impact on early or successful breastfeeding.Not
relevant.
