S95 Improving the Success Rates of Breastfeeding Amongst Newborns Born to Mothers With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Background: It has been shown that breastfeeding not only provides protection against Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis but is safe and protective for mothers and their newborns. It is a common misconception that mothers with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should not breastfeed due to medication safety in mothers breast milk and concern for increased risk of relapse while breastfeeding. When in fact, literature has shown that the vast majority of medications prescribed for IBD are either undetectable in breast milk or present in concentrations that would not be expected to harm the breastfeeding infant. The aim of this study was 2-fold; to investigate the awareness of providers education on the safety and benefits of breastfeeding in mothers with IBD. In addition, to determining whether mothers with IBD have concerns with breastfeeding and it’s impact on their disease. Methods: We conducted a survey on our pediatric providers; of which included physicians, residents, and lactation specialists. The survey specifically inquired on whether they felt comfortable recommending and supporting breastfeeding in patients with IBD. Our second assessment looked retrospectively at mothers who delivered in the past 6 months with IBD and whether they showed interest in breastfeeding following their delivery. Results: Thirty providers were randomly surveyed using a questionnaire on whether they felt comfortable recommending breastfeeding to mothers with IBD. Of the 30 that were surveyed, only 26% of providers felt confident in their ability to recommend breastfeeding to mothers with IBD.Of the 20 mothers born that were randomly surveyed within the past 6 months , 60% were interested in breastfeeding but were unsure of the medical benefits, 10% preferred bottle feeding due to fear of a flare or relapse of their disease while breastfeeding, and 30% preferred bottle feeding regardless of their disease status. Conclusion(s): It is important that we address this area of clinical fundamental knowledge to improve our breastfeeding success rates, specifically in mothers with IBD. It is well known that breastfeeding has many beneficial properties and some studies even suggest that it may have a protective effect against IBD. If we enhance our providers knowledge and awareness of the medical benefits of breastfeeding in patients with IBD, mothers can then be properly informed and educated. Mothers may feel motivated and more at ease in their decision to breastfeed knowing they have the support and encouragement of their medical team. Furthermore, with proper education during their hospitalization and following their delivery, mothers may have less fear and anxiety regarding misconceptions and concerns for relapse of their disease. Providing mothers with reassurance in regard to the safety of their medication and ability to breastfeed, we can ensure appropriate medication compliance. As we have seen in prior studies, optimal disease control and adherence to medical therapy will ensure good outcomes for women during their postpartum period.