Supportive Interventions to Initiate Breastfeeding for Pre-Eclamptic Parents
Breastfeeding Success with Magnesium Therapy: Overcoming Challenges for New Mothers
Initiating breastfeeding is a significant challenge for new mothers, especially when magnesium therapy is involved. With the right support from knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare providers, breastfeeding during magnesium therapy can be safe and beneficial, fostering a strong bond between mother and baby. This guide explores common breastfeeding challenges, the impact of magnesium on mother and baby, and offers strategies for healthcare providers to support breastfeeding success.
Eliminating Barriers to Breastfeeding
Several factors influence breastfeeding success in the inpatient setting, including exhaustion from labor, interruptions in care, anatomical challenges, infant thermoregulation, maternal willingness to learn, support from care partners, socioeconomic factors, and access to lactation consultants. Healthcare providers must create a supportive environment, implementing practices like "quiet hours" for rest and bonding, clustering care, and ensuring easy access to lactation consultants. Providing pumping supplies and education before delivery can also help minimize surprises and identify potential postpartum issues.
Understanding Magnesium Sulfate Treatment
Magnesium sulfate is used to lower the seizure threshold in preeclampsia patients, diagnosed through elevated blood pressure, liver enzymes, protein in urine, and symptoms like swelling, vision changes, headaches, and epigastric pain. Treatment involves a magnesium sulfate infusion, which can cause symptoms like flushing, nausea, fatigue, and decreased reflexes. While magnesium minimally crosses the placental barrier, it can delay lactogenesis II by 25.7 to 36.5 hours postpartum. Monitoring fluid intake is crucial due to its effects on the kidneys.
Strategies for Breastfeeding Success
Preserve Standard Practices: Follow American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, such as delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin contact, to support breastfeeding and thermoregulation.
Educate and Support Families: Inform families about potential challenges and provide assurance of bonding, feeding, and rest time. Advocate for clustered care and appropriate magnesium checks to minimize interruptions.
Encourage Fluid Intake: Increase fluid intake as soon as safely possible to support milk production and hydration.
Support Preterm Deliveries: In cases of preterm delivery, prioritize delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin contact. Encourage early and scheduled pumping to establish supply and demand.
Prioritize Connection Time: Once treatment is complete, focus on connection time and feeding attempts to support a successful breastfeeding journey.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding during magnesium therapy presents unique challenges, but with proper education and support, most mothers can achieve a successful breastfeeding experience. By understanding the impact of magnesium and implementing supportive strategies, healthcare providers can help mothers navigate this journey with confidence.
References
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-. Magnesium Sulfate. [Updated 2024 Jan 15]. Available from: NIH LactMed
Bailey et al. (2015). Skin-to-Skin Care for Term and Preterm Infants in the Neonatal ICU. American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP Pediatrics