P0339 - The impact of Birth Experience and Pain on Breastfeeding Outcomes

Background: Reasons for premature discontinuation of breastfeeding are complex; a variety of social, psychological and physical factors may contribute to a deviation from a mother’s breastfeeding plan. The majority of research focuses on the technical and physical challenges of breastfeeding and issues with the nipple itself.

Aims: To investigate how actual experiences of birth and breastfeeding differed from the mother’s pre-birth intentions, and any subsequent perceived impact on breastfeeding experience for mothers in the USA.


Methods: Data was collected via an online survey of USA based women (n=364) all of whom had breastfed within the last 24 months and had completed their breastfeeding journey
Findings: Most respondents intended to exclusively feed breastmilk (86%) however in reality 46% combination fed as part of their breastfeeding journey. Regarding their most recent birth, 44% required sutures, 30% had a C section and 8% had an episiotomy. Only a third of respondents said their birth went well and to plan, with unplanned C sections being the biggest change. Nearly half of respondents couldn’t follow their breastfeeding plan, with the biggest impact early cessation of breastfeeding. Changes in breastfeeding plan were more common in women whose births did not go to plan. Pain from birth that impacted breastfeeding affected 15% of respondents, making breastfeeding difficult rather than preventing it. Pain when picking up and holding the baby to breastfeed and being unable to sit comfortably to breastfeed were the most common issues.

Conclusions: Pain relating to birth may be an under-considered factor in early cessation of breastfeeding. When considering challenges experienced when establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, it is essential to consider the cumulative pain and discomfort experienced from all sources.