Breast Feeding Pattern may be Associated with Persistent Low Back Pain and Pelvic Pain Half a Year Postpartum

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the history of oral and current contraception use, age at menarche, smoking, and breast feeding in relation to remission or persistence of low back pain and pelvic pain (LBPP) six months after delivery. Materials and Methodology: This study was a follow-up study of 639 women who reported LBPP during pregnancy. The respondents were divided into three groups: 'no pain', 'recurrent pain', and 'continuous pain'. Results: In total 96% had breast fed to some degree after delivery. Current full-time breast feeding was associated with an increased risk (OR=2.8) of continuous pain (LBPP) six months after delivery. Women with continuous pain had also a significantly longer total period of breast feeding in relation to women with remission of pain (p=0.035). Conclusion: Full-time breast feeding and longer period of breast feeding were positively associated with persistent low back and pelvic pain six months after delivery.