Effects of different doses of oxytocin on neonatal instinctive behaviors and breastfeeding: a prospective study

Background: Oxytocin is the current domestic first-line agent of induced labor and labor augmentation, and its potential effects on neonatal neurobehavioral development is currently attracting increased attention. Objective: To explore the effect of different doses of synOT on neonatal instinctive breastfeeding behavior and breastfeeding by observing neonatal behaviors during SSC with mothers after delivery. Methods: A total of 154 pairs of pregnant women and their newborns were selected by random sampling. Observations and comparisons of neonatal instinctive behaviors were conducted by using the Widström's 9 Stages method.According to the dosage of oxytocin, subjects were divided into a low dose group (2.5 U) of 39 pairs, a medium dose group (≥ 5 U) of 38 pairs, a high dose group (≥ 10 U) of 38 pairs and a control group (no synOT use) of 39 couples. The occurrence time of newborns' instinctive movements and the duration time of each behavior stage for the four groups were also analyzed.The frequency of exclusive breastfeeding within 3 days after birth and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months were collected and compared. Results: The intrapartum administration of synthetic oxytocin affects the expression of neonatal instinctive breastfeeding. With increases in drug dose, the effect of breast seeking activity and breast attachment will be more significant, and the effect of oxytocin on sucking and breastfeeding was dose-dependent. Conclusions: Intrapartum exposure to the different doses of synOT could affect the neonatal instinctive behaviors during skin-to-skin contact within two hours after birth to varying degrees, there were also adverse effects on the initiation and continuation of postpartum breastfeeding, with dose-dependent results.