Let’s Chat…Labor Interventions–Part 4

You have done your research and know that to be successful breastfeeding after delivery you and your baby should be together and alert. You plan to deliver without any assistance but what if your baby is in an awkward position? What if your baby becomes distressed during delivery? What if your provider suggests an instrumental (or assisted delivery)? What does that mean and what does it mean for your breastfeeding journey? Let’s chat instrumental deliveries!

Instrumental delivery

An instrumental (or assisted) delivery, is when your provider uses certain tools to help you deliver your baby from the birth canal. Two tools that they may use are forceps and a vacuum. Forceps are large smooth metal tools that resemble salad tongs and form around your baby’s head to guide them out as you push through a contraction. There are different types of vacuums but they generally work the same, a soft plastic cup is placed on top of your baby’s head and creates suction. During a contraction, your provider will use this vacuum to pull your baby out gently. 

Risks of instrumental deliveries

As with all the interventions we have discussed, there are risks associated with instrumental deliveries. We know that events that occur during labor and delivery can greatly impact breastfeeding success. Instrumental deliveries can cause additional stress to babies and make them less alert in the postnatal period. If your baby is very lethargic after delivery it can be difficult to get started breastfeeding. Assisted deliveries can also cause abrasions on the head and face, swelling or bruising, and lead to an increased risk of jaundice. Any pain or pressure inflicted on your baby’s head can cause damage to the cranial nerves involved in breastfeeding. Your baby may be more sleepy or have a weak or uncoordinated suckle. Typically these feeding issues improve as the trauma to the head heals. 

Protecting your breastfeeding journey

If an instrumental delivery is unavoidable you can still breastfeed! Keep in mind the key rules for successful breastfeeding.

• Provide skin-to-skin early and often
• Feed on demand
• Room in 
• Get help when needed

No matter your mode of delivery, breastfeeding is still important and possible. To learn more about labor interventions and how to protect your breastfeeding journey, read our other posts in the Labor Interventions series by clicking the button below, and follow us on social media.