Early versus Conventional Feeding and Onset of Lactation in Emergency Cesarean Parturient Mothers

Abstract

Objective: To study the onset of lactation between early and conventional feeding in emergency cesarean parturient mothers.

Material and methods: Emergency cesarean parturient mothers under spinal block with intrathecal morphine were randomized into two groups. The early feeding group was received clear liquid diet 200 milliliter at 6 hours postoperation and then stepped diet as tolerate. The conventional group had sibling water at 24 hours postoperation then stepped to liquid, soft and regular diet. All participants were informed signs and symptoms of maternal perception of OL that consisted of breast fullness, breast tingling and milk leakage then asked to record timing if she had any one of signs and symptoms of OL.  

Results: Two hundred and thirty eight participants were participated in the study, 119 in each group. The onset of lactation was 30.1+12.9 hours and 46.3+10.8 hours in early feeding and conventional feeding group, respectively (p< 0.01). Only mild symptoms of bowel ileus were found in both groups.

Conclusion: Early feeding in emergency cesarean parturient mothers had a significant earlier onset of lactation when compare with conventional feeding without serious adverse gastrointestinal complications.