The Association of Prenatal Tocolysis and Breastfeeding Duration.

Background: To date there are no clinical studies analyzing potential effects of tocolytics on breastfeeding duration in humans.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between beta 2 agonists prescribed for tocolysis during pregnancy and breastfeeding duration.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 114 mothers and filled in the questionnaire developed to directly address the goals of the study.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between breastfeeding duration of mothers who were on tocolytics during pregnancy versus those who were not prescribed tocolytics (9.5 ± 5.7 months versus 4.5 ± 2.1 months) p < 0.001. In addition, hypogalactia was statistically significantly more prevalent in mothers with positive history versus mothers with negative history of tocolytic usage p < 0.001.

Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that tocolytic treatment in pregnancy is associated with shorter breastfeeding duration and hypogalactia.