The Association of Prenatal Tocolysis and Breastfeeding Duration.

BACKGROUND

To date there are no clinical studies analyzing potential effects of tocolytics on breastfeeding duration in humans.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between beta 2 agonists prescribed for tocolysis during pregnancy and breastfeeding duration.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 114 mothers and filled in the questionnaire developed to directly address the goals of the study.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between breastfeeding duration of mothers who were on tocolytics during pregnancy versus those who were not prescribed tocolytics (9.5 ± 5.7 months versus 4.5 ± 2.1 months) p < 0.001. In addition, hypogalactia was statistically significantly more prevalent in mothers with positive history versus mothers with negative history of tocolytic usage p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicate that tocolytic treatment in pregnancy is associated with shorter breastfeeding duration and hypogalactia.