Lactation and Breastfeeding in Women With Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background:

Women with spinal cord injuries are capable of lactation but physiologic changes affect their experience.

Research Aim:

The goal of this scoping review was to characterize, synthesize, and evaluate the current evidence on lactation and breastfeeding among women with spinal cord injuries to inform care practices, highlight gaps in knowledge, and guide the development of interventions to improve lactational outcomes and wellbeing during this process.

Methods:

A scoping review was performed to assess the existing literature and identify knowledge gaps. Four databases were searched up to February 11, 2025 to identify documents of original research that included mothers with spinal cord injuries and addressed lactation or breastfeeding. The final review included four conference abstracts and three articles for a total of seven documents.

Results:

Three conference abstracts and one of the articles utilized the same data set collected from a set of online questionnaires. Four themes were identified. Barriers and complications to breastfeeding mainly involved insufficient milk production, impaired let-down reflex, and episodes of autonomic dysreflexia. Lactation duration and reasons for cessation were directly affected by the level of spinal cord injury. Other themes identified include an impact on mental health and the limited knowledge about reproductive health for women with spinal cord injuries.

Conclusion:

There is a significant lack of research and information available on lactation in women with spinal cord injuries. Clinicians and researchers must work together to continue to address deficits in this topic. Furthermore, multidisciplinary teams are necessary to support breastfeeding for these women.