‘RCM responds to findings that suggest  breastfeeding may protect against chronic pain after Caesarean section’

By RCM on 02 June 2017 Breastfeeding Study Caesarean Section Midwives RCM RCM Education Conference

Breastfeeding after a caesarean section may help manage pain, with mothers who breastfed their babies for at least 2 months after the operation three times less likely to experience persistent pain compared to those who breastfed for less than 2 months, that’s according to new research being presented at this year’s Euroanaesthesia Congress in Geneva (3-5 June).

Responding to the research, Jacque Gerrard, Director for England at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said “This is an interesting finding on a very small study so further research into breastfeeding for relieving persistent pain after a C-section  is required.

“However, there is an overwhelming body of  evidence around the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby. The RCM supports exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infants life as the most appropriate method of infant feeding.

“The NHS should be doing everything it can to encourage and support women to initiate breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding for at least 6 months. This should include support for women and their babies in the post natal period  This is often very difficult as maternity services struggle with too few midwives meaning mothers often do not get the much needed post natal support and help needed to establish breastfeeding.

 “Investing in services to improve breastfeeding rates will ultimately and importantly mean healthier babies and infants which will continue in young people and  eventually  adulthood and will ultimately, in the long run improve the public health of the wider population and also save the NHS money.”

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Notes to editors

Breastfeeding may protect against chronic pain after Caesarean section study and presentation at Euroanaesthesia

*Embargo for all parts: 0001H Geneva local time Sunday 4 June*

For more information on this study contact the  Euroanaesthesia Press Centre: Tony Kirby of Tony Kirby PR Ltd T or call  +44 7834 385827 E) tony@tonykirby.com

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.  

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About the RCM

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. It provides workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with a broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at www.rcm.org.uk.