A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF GENERAL ANAESTHESIA AND SPINAL ANAESTHESIA ON BREASTFEEDING

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of general anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia on breastfeeding in caesarean sections. Pregnant women at term, admitted for elective caesarean section and whom we could contact by phone were included. The patients were divided into two groups: general anaesthesia (Group G) and spinal anaesthesia (Group S). Breastfeeding was assessed by other anaesthetists at 1 hour, 24 hours and 6 months postoperative. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the first breastfeeding interval. There was no significant difference between groups in the rate of breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery and the first 24 hours (respectively; Group G: 15.5%; Group S: 21.8%, Group G: 91.4%; Group S: 97%). The rate of breastfeeding at 6 months was significantly higher in Group S (80.9%) than in Group G (67.2%). In term pregnancies, the type of anaesthesia does not affect the first breastfeeding interval. However, spinal anaesthesia has a positive effect on the maintenance of breastfeeding longer than 6 months.