Mom in Labor

Let’s Chat…Labor Interventions–Part 2

Posted on by Let's Chat Lactation

It is the miracle of childbirth! Nature perfectly choreographs every ebb and flow of hormones during labor that leads to the birth of your baby. When given the opportunity, your body can do wonders, so trust it, as it is most beneficial to avoid labor interventions. People often think of labor and delivery as separate from breastfeeding, but this is not the case. The events that take place during labor can have a significant effect on your breastfeeding journey. 

DISCLAIMER: All information found in this post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Induction

One of those most common interventions is the induction of labor. Induction can occur through many means, such as: 

Induction methods

Although these interventions differ in many ways, they all share one commonality. They are unnatural. They interfere with your body’s biological responses. In this post, our focus will be on the use of Pitocin, a synthetic version of Oxytocin, to induce labor. 

Though there are numerous medical reasons why an induction might be necessary, many women choose elective inductions. Some women see inductions as empowering, convenient, and safe, but overlook the risks. One of those risks is the disruption of breastfeeding.

How Pitocin affects labor

In our previous edition of Labor Interventions—Part 1 we discussed the array of hormones involved in labor. During natural labor, Oxytocin produces intense contractions of the uterus. Pitocin also creates contractions. However, the more you receive, the less naturally occurring Oxytocin your body produces. Unlike Oxytocin, this medication does not stimulate the body to release endorphins, your natural pain relievers. Higher pain levels mean a higher incidence of epidural use. When you receive an epidural, it further disrupts the hormone cycle and leads to low levels of some natural hormones in you and your baby after birth. Less hormones mean that your body and your baby are less responsive to one another. Women with lower levels of Oxytocin can also experience delays in milk production. In addition to these risks, Pitocin can cause painful engorgement of the breasts and make latching difficult for your baby. 

Preserving breastfeeding after induction

If you and your provider have determined that induction through the use of Pitocin is medically necessary for you and your baby, there are ways to preserve breastfeeding. 

  • Initiate skin-to-skin early and often 
  • Attempt breastfeeding as soon as your baby shows feeding cues
  • Use hand expression to boost supply
  • Try reverse pressure softening to relieve breast engorgement. See how here
  • Get help when needed

Your body can do this! The beautiful dance of hormones during natural childbirth prepares you and your baby for successful breastfeeding. Even in the case of induction, you can meet your breastfeeding goals.  Stay tuned for more information on labor interventions and follow us on social media!

 

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