Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Breastfeeding
PIH, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or Toxemia of Pregnancy occures in approximately 5-8 % of all pregnancies. This condition causes a mothers blood pressure to be above normal. Other symptoms include protein in your urine and swelling in the hands, feet or face. This is why your doctor or midwife checks your blood pressure and tests your urine at each prenatal visit.
Checking your blood pressure is of utmost importance:
This can develop into a life threatening contidion called pre-eclampsia or eclampsia which can then lead to something called HELLP syndrome. If the blood pressure goes uncontrolled- the mother can experience siezures, stroke or even death.
If PIH advances at the end of pregnancy, moms may be put on bedrest and fetal monitoring to keep both safe. Prescription medications or IV administration of medicatins may be in order.
Magnesium Sulfate is a medication commonly given during labor for those with pregnancy induced hypertension. This medication has the side effects of headache and nausea. It is often continued for hours AFTER delivery to ensure moms health. As you can imagine the side effects of headache and nausea can affect your ability/desire to breastfeed. Many moms simply feel ill after delivery. This is one of those situations as a lactation consultant, I will give moms a pass on breastfeeding. If you feel too sick, then put baby skin to skin and supplement as needed until you feel better. Staying alive and healthy is of supreme importance, yes even more important than breastfeeding. If you must supplement, so be it, just begin breastfeeding as soon as physically possible.
Here are some tips that might help to make it easier:
- Consider breastfeeding in the side-lying position. Lying may reduce the headache and nausea. Ask a nurse for help.
- If you are unable to breastfeed, consider using an Alternate feeding method such as a cup, syringe, spoon or finger feed. Only use a bottle as a LAST resort.
What about pumping until you feel better? My opinion is that if you feel well enough to sit up and pump for 15-20 minutes, then you feel well enough to breastfeed the baby for 15-20 minutes. Remember, ASK FOR HELP.
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