Education and Training

Effects of Breast Feeding on Post-Cesarean and Post-Vaginal Delivery Pain

Oxytocin is a hormone that is released in response to distension of the cervix and uterus during labor, and after breast feeding as a result of nipple stimulation. In addition to oxytocin facilitating birth and breastfeeding, oxytocin has a number of effects on maternal behavior including bonding, social recognition, anxiolysis, sexual arousal.

The role of oxytocin in pain modulation has recently been highlighted. Intranasal or intrathecal (spinal) administration has been found to impact pain modulation. The administration of intravenous oxytocin has not provided effective analgesia because oxytocin is unable to pass to your brain. The role of breastfeeding on analgesia is poorly investigated, which is why we are carrying out this study.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

Eligibility


Inclusion Criteria:

   1. Age 18 - 40 yrs

   2. ASA 1 or 2

   3. Singleton gestation

   4. Greater or equal to 37 weeks gestation

   5. Vaginal delivery

   6. Scheduled cesarean delivery with a Pfannenstiel incision

Exclusion Criteria:

   1. Chronic pain

   2. Patients prescribed regular analgesia medication ante-natally

   3. Substance abuse

   4. Classical cesarean incision

   5. Emergency cesarean delivery

   6. Patients not planning to breastfeed

   7. Psychiatric or cognitive disorder, including anxiety or depression

   8. Physicians, labor and delivery nurses, midwives

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years - 40 Years

Genders Eligible for Study

Female

Not currently accepting new patients for this trial

Contact Information

Stanford University
School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Brendan Carvalho
650-861-8607
Not Recruiting