Qualitative Assessment of Perioperative Lactation Patient Education: “I Think It's Something Women Navigate on Their Own”

Abstract

Background:

Patients who are lactating at the time of a procedure requiring anesthesia benefit from specific education and care coordination to support continued lactation and avoid complications. Before design and implementation of a comprehensive care pathway for this patient population at our institution, we sought to elicit the patient perspective.

Methods:

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with eight patients by phone regarding their experience as a lactating patient presenting for a procedure with anesthesia care at our institution. These were analyzed for predominant themes regarding their experiences.

Results:

The patients we interviewed reported receiving conflicting information and feeling a sense of uncertainty. Some patients experienced preventable health effects such as mastitis, and prior experience with breastfeeding was protective. The interviewed patients endorsed a desire for structured support and improved education resources.

Discussion:

This qualitative study of lactating patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery demonstrates a need for coordinated perioperative lactation care. A structured pathway for this patient population with access to updated care guidelines and patient education would be welcomed.