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Supporting breastfeeding for women on opioid maintenance therapy: a systematic review

Journal of Perinatology volume 39, pages 1159–1164 (2019)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

Despite evidence to support breastfeeding, rates remain low in women on opioid maintenance therapy (OMT). The goal of this review was to synthesize current knowledge regarding interventions to promote breastfeeding in women on OMT.

Study design

A systematic search of databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews was conducted. Key words included breastfeeding, lactation, opioid use disorder, and opioid maintenance therapy. Risk of bias was assessed by two reviewers.

Result

Four quasi-experimental studies met inclusion criteria. Improved rates of breastfeeding reached statistical significance in all four. Three studies had moderate to serious risk of bias related to confounding variables. Interventions shared common features, including an integrated approach, a well-prepared multidisciplinary team, nonseparation of mother and newborn, and patient centered care.

Conclusions

Further research should explore barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding in this vulnerable population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University at Buffalo School of Nursing, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Margaret Doerzbacher & Yu-Ping Chang

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  1. Margaret Doerzbacher
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  2. Yu-Ping Chang
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Correspondence to Margaret Doerzbacher.

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Doerzbacher, M., Chang, YP. Supporting breastfeeding for women on opioid maintenance therapy: a systematic review. J Perinatol 39, 1159–1164 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-019-0411-0

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