La somministrazione di ossitocina sintetica in travaglio e i possibili effetti sull’allattamento : studio osservazionale analitico retrospettivo

Introduction Several studies relate the endogenous oxytocin with the ease of starting and prolonging breastfeeding, as well as with different behavioural aspects such as socialization or bonding behaviour. There are few studies on the effects of childbirth interventions for acceleration of labor, to which the use of synthetic oxytocin is closely correlated and the start, type and duration of breastfeeding. Purposes The aim of this study is to observe the influence of intrapartum synthetic oxytocin may have on type and duration of breastfeeding. To reach this objective quality and duration of breastfeeding of women who received synthetic oxytocin were compared to those of women who did not receive any inoculation of oxytocin. The aim is to be able to distinguish women with a higher risk of premature or tardive abandonment of breastfeeding through the identification of factors that, introduced by midwife management of labor, may inhibit lactation. Methods During the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 all women who gave birth in May at the Fondazione IRCCS Ca 'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan were sampled. For this study a non-probability sampling was carried out, that has identified the secondary group of mothers who did not receive synthetic oxytocin in labor, versus the group of mothers who received synthetic oxytocin in labor. Of interest in this sub study is retrospective analysis through which it was possible to make a comparison between the two groups regarding the type and the duration of breastfeeding immediately after birth for the years 2014 and 2015, and for the follow-up at two weeks, one month and three months to the year 2016. Results First of all, in the sample taken into account, the rate of women continues with exclusive breastfeeding beyond three months is slightly above the national data. In addition, the rate of women in this study who received oxytocin during labor is much higher than the national data. It does not show a statistically significant difference in the two groups as regards the type and duration of breastfeeding. Conclusions Synthetic oxytocin received during labor has a slight impact on both the type and the duration of breastfeeding and the initial difficulties linked to the start of breastfeeding remain throughout its duration. It is therefore necessary to implement, during the hospitalization, support to all women who have initial difficulties with breastfeeding, to encourage obstetric care in labor that may facilitate the release of endogenous oxytocin and to guarantee a territorial network that may support women after the hospital discharge.