Early versus delayed initiation of breastfeeding

• Published in: Cochrane database of systematic reviews no. 2; p. CD000043
• Main Authors: Renfrew, M J, Lang, S, Woolridge, M W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 2000
• Subjects: Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Object Attachment; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1469-493X

This review has been withdrawn because it is out of date. The topic will be covered by a new review, 'The effect of the timing of feedings on the establishment of breastfeeding', the protocol for which is currently being prepared. It has been suggested that the timing of a baby's first breastfeed may influence breastfeeding duration and emotional attachment. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of breastfeeding soon after birth (within 30 minutes) compared to being breastfed later (between 4 to 8 hours after delivery) on the duration of breastfeeding and the mother/infant relationship. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing early skin contact and breastfeeding with late skin contact and breastfeeding in women intending to breastfeed their healthy term infant. Data were extracted by two reviewers. Three studies involving 209 women were included. Compared with late contact and breastfeeding, early contact and breastfeeding was associated with greater communication between mother and infants in a two minute observation period (odds ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.61). There was no difference detected for numbers of women breastfeeding after birth (odds ratio for 12 weeks after birth 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.34 to 1.54). No differences were found between early and delayed contact in regard to breastfeeding duration. Early contact was associated with greater communication between mothers and infants.