Peri-Surgical Support: Experiences of Breastfeeding Women

Abstract

Background:

Breastfeeding continuation can be challenging for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Guidelines regarding peri-surgical measures and medication use are available, but it is not clear to what extent these are applied in clinical practice and how the care is experienced by breastfeeding mothers.

Research Aim:

To describe patient perspectives on perioperative support for breastfeeding mothers undergoing surgical procedures.

Methods:

An online, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Belgian women who received analgesics or anesthetics during a surgical procedure while breastfeeding. The pre-tested survey assessed beliefs about breastfeeding and its health benefits, perioperative practices used and experienced, medication use, and advice related to breastfeeding and human milk.

Results:

From September 2021 through April 2022, 193 participants completed the questionnaire. In all, 45 participants (23.3%) reported that no healthcare provider asked about their breastfeeding status prior to their procedure, and 43 (22.3%) reported no discussion on medication use and safety during breastfeeding. Guidance on breastfeeding management varied widely, with conflicting advice: 47 (24.4%) were advised to breastfeed immediately after the procedure, while 84 (43.5%) ultimately did. In contrast, 11 (5.7%) were advised to express and discard their milk once, 37 (19.2%) for 12 hours, and 31 (16.1%) for 24 hours after the procedure, while 10 (5.2%), 28 (14.5%), and 21 (10.9%) ultimately did, respectively. Many sought information beyond their healthcare team, for example, in online forums (n = 77; 39.9%) and websites (n = 50; 25.9%).

Conclusions:

While awareness of breastfeeding benefits is generally good amongst breastfeeding mothers, women’s experiences around breastfeeding support during surgical procedures vary, often not reflecting the most recent evidence-based standards. Better education of healthcare professionals, more comprehensive surgical protocols, or greater awareness of existing guidelines could help to meet the need for breastfeeding support during surgery.