Early Versus Delayed Initiation of Breastfeeding

Editorial Note: This review has been withdrawn because it is out of date.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.

Background: It has been suggested that the timing of a baby's first breastfeed may influence breastfeeding duration and emotional attachment.

Objectives: 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.

Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register.

Selection Criteria: 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 Collection And Analysis: Data were extracted by two reviewers.

Main Results: 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).

Reviewer's Conclusions: 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.