Presentation Information

Effects of Labour Analgesia and Anaesthesia on Breastfeeding

• Speaker: Sarah Reece-Stremtan , MD
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

Many women plan to use various pain medications during labour, with epidural analgesia being the most common type of pain relief utilized in many North American hospitals. Medications used for pain relief during labour cross transplacentally to the infant, with varying effects demonstrated on infants and mothers with regards to breastfeeding. Here we will take a closer look at what is involved in pain transmission signals, the medications that help with pain relief during labour, and the effects of these medications on initiation of breastfeeding. We will discuss issues relating to cesarean delivery, and we will also spend a little time at the end reviewing considerations around general anesthesia for breastfeeding mothers.