438 Effects of Elective Cesarean Section on Lactogenesis

Abstract

Background and aim: Elective cesarean section incidence is rising worldwide. The current study examinated elective cesarean section (ECS) influences on maternal anxiety, hormones levels and breastfeeding in the first six months after birth, comparing with emergency cesarean section and vaginal delivery (VD). Methods: We contacted 106 consecutive mothers, included in the study according to specific criteria. The mother anxiety levels were evaluated according to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y (STAI-Y) questionnaire. We tested stresses hormones (prolactin, TSH, cortisole) immediately after delivery and after three days. We assessed the newborn baby nutrition pattern in the delivery room, after one week from the birth and after 30 days, 3 and 6 months (WHO). Results: ECS represents a negative factor for earlier breastfeeding, compared to VD (p=0.02), with anxiety levels (p=0.15), hormones levels (prolactin p=0.05) and lack of breastfeeding in delivery room (p < 0.05). The caesarean section (p=0.005), early breastfeeding in the delivery room (p=0.0009) and type of delivery (p < 0.05) are determinants in breastfeeding after 7 days, 3 and 6 months. Breastfeeding mothers have lowest state anxiety levels (p=0.04). Stress hormones levels change in connection with the type of delivery, but only prolactin result to be significant for earlier breastfeeding (p=0.05). The type of delivery influences breastfeeding in the third month (p=0.005). Conclusions: ECS influences negatively breastfeeding in early life, conditioning it in the delivery room, after three and six months, the hormones and the anxiety levels, with consequences on baby growth and development influencing the relationship with his mother.