We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.
Breastfeeding and Methadone Therapy: The Maternal Experience
Jill R. Demirci , Debra L. Bogen , Yael Klionsky
Substance Abuse
Vol. 36, Iss. 2, 2015
The breastfeeding challenges faced by women prescribed methadone are often inferred, but these assertions have not been substantiated from the maternal perspective. In this study, we found that women taking methadone and intending to breastfeed face additional barriers to breastfeeding establishment compared to the general population (e.g., poor support, concern about methadone transfer through breast milk); yet, awareness of the protective effects of breastfeeding against neonatal abstinence syndrome is a highly motivating factor to persevere through these challenges. Our research exposes the shortcomings of the healthcare community in educating women about the safety and benefits of breastfeeding while taking methadone, but also highlights the opportunities clinicians and researchers have to correct misinformation, promote maternal breastfeeding confidence, and develop support systems to improve breastfeeding outcomes in this population.