BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS UNDERGOING A (SURGICAL) PROCEDURE: HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS' ADVICE AND EXPERIENCED PRACTICES BY MOTHERS

Background: Multiple recommendations are published considering breastfeeding mothers who need to undergo a (surgical) procedure to support and protect the continuation of breastfeeding. Objectives: To map advice of health care providers (HCPs) and experiences of breastfeeding women concerning undergoing a (surgical) procedure during breastfeeding. Methods: This cross-sectional study ran from February 2021 to April 2022 assessing advice of HCPs and experiences of mothers through online questionnaires. HCPs could participate when they came into contact with breastfeeding mothers at least once a year. A mother could participate when she was living in Belgium, older than 18 year and underwent a (minor or major) (surgical) procedure during breastfeeding in the 2 preceding years. Participants were reached through social media channels, HCP professional organization and HCPs (for mothers). Results: Questionnaires were completed by 291 HCPs and 183 mothers. HCPs believed their knowledge about breastfeeding to be good and almost all acknowledged the superiority of breastfeeding and the importance of its continuation after surgery. However, very few HCPs are familiar with published protocols. Each recommended practice is routinely advised by less than half of HCPs. The parallel research in breastfeeding mothers confirmed that each recommended practice was given to less than 40% of mothers. For a quarter of the respondents, the use of medication during surgery was never discussed and more than 70% of mothers received no or incorrect advice about breast milk storage or use. Conclusion: There is a knowledge gap leading to inappropriate care for breastfeeding mothers undergoing a (surgical) procedure.