Does cesarean section have an impact on the successful initiation of breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the type of birth influenced breastfeeding outcomes. METHODS: This study used a quantitative descriptive correlation design study in a sample of 60 primigravid mothers. Participants were recruited over a 2-month period from June to July 2011 in the postnatal ward at King AbdulAziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). RESULTS: The results of the study indicated that women who gave birth vaginally were more likely to breastfeed within the first hour, and at 24 hours after birth than those who had a cesarean section. The mothers who had cesarean section stated that pain interfered with their ability to hold, breastfeed, and care for their baby. Healthy term babies at KAUH are routinely separated from their mothers, and given infant formula supplementation. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study reinforce the importance of appropriate pain management, keeping well babies with their mothers to remain together, 24 hours a day, and avoidance of non-medically indicated formula supplementation.