title: Impact of birthing practices on the breastfeeding dyad.
abstract: For breastfeeding to start and continue, the newborn must be able to suck, swallow, and breathe; the mother must be able and willing to let her infant breastfeed; and surroundings must support the biological unit: the mother-baby dyad. This article reviews how birth practices, including epidural anesthesia, cesarean surgery, forceps, and vacuum extraction, can affect the newborn's ability to feed, the mother's motivation and lactation capacity, and the mother-baby relationship.
authors.affiliation: Bright Future Lactation Resource Center in Dayton, OH 45459, USA. lindaj@bflrc.com
authors.forename: Linda J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007775:Lactation Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011247:Pregnancy; D013391:Sucking Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D014481:United States; D014944:World Health Organization