The Breastfeeding Answer Book

The Breastfeeding Answer Book, (Third Revised Edition), by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Julie Stock, MA, IBCLC. La Leche League International, Schaumburg, Illinois, 2003.


CIRP logo Note:

This file contains two short extracts of text from The Breastfeeding Answer Book, which are related to circumcision.

Chapter 3: Breastfeeding Basics section Normal Breastfeeding Patterns subsection In the Early Days

page 27

Basic Information: Painful medical procedures can affect a baby's ability and willingness to feed in the early days.

When a baby undergoes a painful medical procedure, such as a heel stick, injection, spinal tap, or circumcision, he may shut down and be unreceptive to feedings until he is feeling better. Vigorous suctioning of a baby's mouth can also cause a sore throat and injured vocal cords, which can cause a baby to reject anything by mouthfor a time.

Research indicates, however, that if a baby is breastfed during a painful procedure, such as a heel stick, that breastfeeding is a potent analgesic that essentially eliminates the symptoms of pain, such as crying and grimacing, and prevents a marked rise in heart rate (Gray 2002). Previous research has found that three components of a potent reliever [sic] for the newborn are: skin-to-skin contact, suckling, and a sweet taste (Gray 2000). Breastfeeding provides all three.

Chapter 11 : Newborn Jaundice Section - The Mother's Feelings

page 259

Basic Information: Breastfeeding during heel sticks has been found to significantly reduce a newborn's pain.

When a baby undergoes a painful medical procedure, such as a heel stick, injection, spinal tap, or circumcision, he may shut down and be unreceptive to feedings until he is feeling better. Research indicates, however, that if a baby is breastfed during a painful procedure, such as a heel stick, that breastfeeding is a potent analgesic that essentially eliminates the symptoms of pain, such as crying and grimacing, and prevents a marked rise in heart rate (Gray 2002). Previous research has found that three potent pain relievers for the newborn are: skin-to-skin contact, suckling, and a sweet taste (Gray 2000). Breastfeeding provides all three.

References

  1. Gray, L. et al. External link Breastfeeding is an analgesic in healthy newborns. Pediatrics 2002; 109(4):590-93
  2. Gray, L. et al. External link Skin-to-skin contact is analgesic in healthy newborns. Pediatrics 2000; 105(1):e14

Citation:

The Circumcision Information and Resource Pages are a not-for-profit educational resource and library. IntactiWiki hosts this website but is not responsible for the content of this site. CIRP makes documents available without charge, for informational purposes only. The contents of this site are not intended to replace the professional medical or legal advice of a licensed practitioner.

Top  © CIRP.org 1996-2024 | Filetree | Please visit our sponsor and host: External link IntactiWiki.